RESIDENTS living near the proposed Trecelyn Wind Farm near Newbridge are being asked to give their feedback, following the previous consultation earlier this year.

Pennant Walters, Wales’ largest home-grown renewable energy developer, is proposing to develop up to four wind turbines on land to the east of Newbridge and Abercarn, Caerphilly.

The turbines have an indicative height of up to 145m and are estimated to produce up to 20MW of electricity, which is equivalent to providing enough power for approximately 13,135 homes1.

Following the previous round of consultation in March earlier this year, Pennant Walters has reviewed the feedback from residents and technical consultees, and refined the proposals in several areas, which includes the removal of one turbine.

This site has been identified within a Pre-Assessed Area for onshore wind by the Welsh Government in its ‘Future Wales’ document.

This acts as the blueprint for how Wales can meet its aspiration to achieve 100% of its energy consumption from renewable sources, as well as 1.5GW of renewable energy capacity being locally owned by 2035.

Pennant Walters is hosting two public exhibitions for the local communities to find out more about the proposals:

  • Llanfach Village Hall, Twyn Road, Abercarn NP11 5LB, Thursday 30 November, 2pm – 7pm
  • Newbridge Memo, High Street, Newbridge NP11 4FH, Friday 1 December, 2pm – 7pm

The deadline for comments is Friday, December 22, 2023.

Director of environment and sustainability at Pennant Walters, Meryl Lewis, said:  "Trecelyn Wind Farm has the potential to play a significant role in supporting the Welsh Government's pursuit of 100 per cent renewable energy sources to combat climate change, as well as offering benefits to the local community.

"We have a longstanding commitment to involve the local community from the outset of our projects. We are looking forward to engaging in discussions about our proposals at the local level and aim to incorporate community feedback wherever possible.

"We are also interested in exploring ways to bring about local benefits to the area. This includes establishing a community benefit fund, promoting shared ownership, and supporting the local supply chain.

"As a locally owned Welsh company, this project will embody a 'locally owned' ethos. We are actively exploring opportunities for increased shared ownership and community involvement, in line with the goals set by the Welsh Government.

"We have a history of establishing community funds for all our wind farm projects, directing investments into the surrounding local communities. To date, approximately £5 million has been distributed to qualifying initiatives in South Wales."

You can find out more information about the project and how to get involved with this stage of consultation at www.trecelyn-windfarm.co.uk.