The Global Centre of Rail Excellence (GCRE) has extended its competition to appoint an Energy and Data Centre Partner (EDCP) for its 700-hectare site in South West Wales, following strong market interest and requests from bidders for more time to develop proposals.
GCRE is developing a purpose-built facility for international rail research, testing and net zero technology development, with ambitions for the site to become a leading European cluster for rail innovation. Alongside the rail project, GCRE is seeking a long-term partner to deliver renewable energy assets and a data centre on the former open-cast mine, a site comparable in size to Gatwick Airport.
The original competition launched in September 2025 attracted significant engagement from the energy and data centre sectors. However, GCRE has confirmed that prospective bidders asked for additional time to shape comprehensive and investable proposals, reflecting the scale and complexity of the opportunity.
As a result, the EDCP competition has now been extended into 2026, with a revised Invitation to Tender available via the Sell2Wales platform. Interested parties must submit a Conditions of Participation document by 12 noon on 10 March 2026.
The site benefits from strategic advantages for both energy and digital infrastructure. It lies around 30km from Bridgend and 50km from Cardiff, where data centre clusters are already emerging, and is crossed by both 132kV and 400kV power lines. High-quality fibre connectivity is also being progressed for the area.
GCRE chief executive Simon Jones said the decision to extend the timetable was driven by a desire to secure the right long-term partner rather than rush the process.
“The last few weeks have been very encouraging, with clear commercial interest in the GCRE site as a location for high-quality renewable energy and data centre infrastructure,” he said. “What’s equally clear is that bidders need more time to develop robust proposals, and it’s right that we allow that to happen.
“This is a unique long-term partnership opportunity. The scale of the site, its grid connections and telecoms potential make it highly attractive, and the right energy and data centre development will raise the economic profile of GCRE as we continue to seek private investment for the rail project itself.”
The EDCP process is running in parallel with GCRE’s wider search for private investment in the rail facility. Jones also pointed to the rapidly evolving policy environment around net zero and artificial intelligence, noting that South Wales has recently been designated a UK AI Growth Zone.
“The UK is moving quickly to build the infrastructure needed to support the net zero transition and AI,” he said. “GCRE sits squarely within that agenda. Modern energy and data infrastructure on the site can act as a catalyst for new green jobs and help anchor an internationally significant rail innovation cluster in the region.”
Further details of the competition are available via the Sell2Wales portal.
