The UK2070 Commission Taskforce led a strategic international mission welcoming His Excellency Mr Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo, High Commissioner of South Africa to the United Kingdom, to the former Aberthaw power station.
The visit was hosted by CCR Energy Limited, a company wholly owned by Cardiff Capital Region (CCR) and established to oversee redevelopment into a low carbon destination.
The UK2070 Commission is an independent inquiry into city and regional inequalities in the UK.
The visit aimed to reinforce growing cooperation between UK regional leadership and South Africa on shared challenges including industrial decarbonisation, skills transition, and inclusive growth.
Professor Michael Henson, Chair of the UK2070 Taskforce Programme, said:
“High Commissioner Mamabolo’s visit underscores the Taskforce’s commitment to delivering international collaboration rooted in place. Aberthaw demonstrates how strategic repurposing, led by regional innovation and backed by global diplomacy, can unlock real change.”
His Excellency Mr Jeremiah Nyamane Mamabolo said:
“It is a privilege to witness the transformative progress underway at Aberthaw. We hold in high regard the work of the UK2070 Commission Taskforce, not only in advancing net-zero objectives but also in promoting a people-and-place-centred approach to development. This partnership exemplifies how international cooperation can support inclusive growth, shared prosperity and sustainable communities across both South Africa and the United Kingdom.”
Baroness Wilcox of Newport added:
“As an advocate for Wales and the people of Wales, I was proud to join this important visit. Aberthaw stands as a powerful example of local ambition connected to global opportunity. This international partnership is beyond invaluable – for our communities today, and for future generations across both nations.”
Professor Steve Cummings, Pro Vice Chancellor and Knowledge Exchange, Teesside University, said:
“This visit reinforces Teesside University’s commitment to research-led transformation in collaboration with global partners. We are proud to support the UK2070 Taskforce in advancing practical innovation and cross-continental knowledge exchange – connecting places like Teesside, Aberthaw and Komati through shared values, research excellence and sustainable growth.”
Cllr Bronwen Brooks, Chair of CCR Energy, said:
“It was a privilege to welcome High Commissioner Mamabolo to Aberthaw, a site at the centre of our region’s clean energy ambitions. His visit highlights the strength of our growing international partnerships. We thank the UK2070 Commission and Baroness Wilcox for their continued support, and look forward to future collaboration with South Africa and Teesside – driving innovation, opportunity, and a just transition for our communities.”
Cllr Mary Ann Brocklesby, Leader, Monmouthshire Council, and Chair, Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), added:
“Partnerships are at the heart of our work here at CCR. We value this significant international collaboration, as we share the common mission to deliver transformational clean energy projects that will shape our regions, grow our economies, and create a future that is inclusive and prosperous for generations to come.”
The visit included site tours, stakeholder roundtables and forward-planning sessions on:
- The co-design of Virtual Net Zero Centres in South Wales, Teesside and Komati, South Africa
- Academic collaboration through the South African Presidential PhD Programme
- Joint funding opportunities
- Ongoing engagement with the South African Presidential Climate Commission, CCR Energy, Cardiff Capital Region, Cardiff University, Teesside University, and South Africa’s Department of Science and Innovation.
