IT will be a “development of national significance” if it goes ahead, creating well paid jobs and ensuring the viability of the refinery for the future, Cabinet has said of Valero’s latest plans.

Cabinet members were asked to agree a “statement of common ground” on Valero Pembroke Refinery’s proposed Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Cogeneration Unit cogeneration facility, which it hopes to build within its current site.

The proposal would be decided by the Welsh Government’s planning inspector but before plans are submitted Pembrokeshire County Council will discuss it with Valero and ensure any concerns are mitigated.

The new facility would generate 49.9MW from the combustion of natural gas, superheated steam along with ancillary infrastructure and electrical and gas connections, all within the current site and set within the refinery infrastructure.

Director of Development Steven Jones said it would be “only the second application of national significance received by the Welsh Government” when submitted.

Cllr Paul Miller, Cabinet Member for Economy, Tourism, Leisure and Culture, highlighted the importance of the high value jobs that would be created as well as the benefit for the long-term future of the refinery.

“Ensuring the refinery remains competitive both within the U.K. and globally is critical for the economic well-being of Pembrokeshire and the region. The facility will drive down the cost of electricity for the plant, aiding competitiveness, as well as providing additional, much needed, steam to support the refinery process,” added Cllr Miller.

He said that the industry expected the numbers of refineries in the future to work on a model of three to five in the UK and the development would ensure that the Pembroke site remained one of those.

“This is very important in keeping that plant viable and competitive in the UK and global markets,” he added.

Cabinet was satisfied that the statement of common ground addressed any concerns and agreed that it be approved.