Swedish power company Vattenfall has secured an approval from the government to build a 299MW Pen Y Cymoedd onshore wind farm between Neath and Aberdare in South Wales.
UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry said, “This project in South Wales will generate vast amounts of home-grown renewable electricity and provide a significant benefits package for the local community.”
The company plans to invest £300m in the project, once it makes a final investment decision. Vattenfall head Onshore Wind Development UK Piers Guy said the Pen y Cymoedd is a major project that could be worth more than £1bn to Wales.
“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, said Guy.
“Our 25 year investment makes us one of the most significant community investors in Wales.” “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 £55million over the next 25 years.
Vattenfall said it will now review the letter of consent before committing to a forward program for the project. Construction may commence next year on the project, which will be located on publicly owned land managed by Forestry
Commission Wales; while commercial operations are slated to begin in 2016. The project will use 76 wind turbines and is expected to generate enough electricity to power the needs of approximately 206,000 homes every year.
