The green light has been given for an onshore wind farm in Wales, to be developed by Sweden’s Vattenfall.
The 76-turbine Pen y Cymoedd Wind Energy Project was granted development consent yesterday, by Charles Hendry, energy minister at the Department of Energy and Climate Change. The wind farm is located on publicly-owned land managed by Forestry Commission Wales in the south of the country.
Once operational, it is hoped that Pen y Cymoedd will increase Welsh renewable electricity by 37 per cent.
The capital expenditure required to construct the 250 MW wind farm is estimated to be around £300 million. The development is now awaiting a final investment decision from Vattenfall, after which construction could commence as early as next year, with expected first power in 2016.
With a projected three years of construction followed by 25 years of operation, it is thought the scheme could inject as much as £1 billion into Wales’ economy, leading to the potential retention or creation of more than 300 Welsh jobs.
Piers Guy, Vattenfall’s head of Onshore Wind Development in the UK, said: “We are delighted that Vattenfall’s Welsh flagship project has been consented. Pen y Cymoedd is a major project that could be worth more than £1 billion to Wales. We have consistently stated our commitment to making sure that we maximise the value of Pen y Cymoedd to the region and to Wales. This is now our priority.
“This project shows what onshore wind energy investments can offer Wales over the short and long term. Through this project we will be supporting the delivery of national and local priorities—from creating local jobs, supply chain opportunities and apprenticeship schemes to supporting tourism initiatives, community services and facilities. Our 25-year investment makes us one of the most significant community investors in Wales.
He concluded: “The project will see Vattenfall investing in a £3 million local habitat restoration project and a community fund that will provide guaranteed funding support for regeneration of more than £55 million over the next 25 years. We look forward to continuing to work with the very many organisations, groups and individuals who have helped to shape this project to make our shared vision a reality.”
Vattenfall is Europe's sixth largest generator of electricity and the continent's largest producer of heat. Vattenfall currently operates 545 MW of onshore wind capacity and 836 MW of offshore wind across northern Europe. Following the integration of Nuon Renewables earlier this year, Vattenfall is now one of the UK’s leading wind farm developers.
