Bute Energy thank local communities for their feedback

Welsh renewable energy developer Bute Energy is thanking communities for having their say on plans for the Moel Chwa Energy Park, which could generate enough clean, green energy to power the equivalent of nearly 52,000 homes.

The project responds to the Climate Emergency and will help local communities live modern electric lives, while supporting the Welsh Government’s target for electricity to be 100% renewable by 2035.

The consultation, which ran from 25 April to 11 June, saw three well attended public drop-in sessions, where people could view information, talk to the project team and have their say. Following this round of public consultation, all feedback received will be carefully considered, along with reports from environmental and technical surveys, ahead of the next round of public consultation – expected later in 2023.

Located near Llanfihangel Glyn Myfyr, in Conwy, the proposed Moel Chwa Energy Park includes up to 12 turbines with a maximum tip height of 200m. Once operational, the Energy Park could generate approximately 79.2MW of renewable electricity and will connect to the National Grid at a new substation near Gwyddelwern, approximately 7km from the Energy Park. The connection will be via an overhead line on wood poles.

Bute Energy are committed to working with and supporting communities where they develop their projects. As part of the Moel Chwa Energy Park project, a Community Benefit Fund will be established which is currently anticipated to deliver around £590,000 worth of investment per year locally.

In addition to the fund, Bute Energy is committed to ensuring as much investment stays as local as possible.  The company’s Community Benefit Team are focused on creating pathways for local people to gain employment, ensuring best practice access to our energy parks and working with local schools and community facilities to help reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint.

The proposed Energy Park site sits within a Pre-Assessed Area for large-scale onshore wind energy according to the Welsh Government’s National Development Framework, Future Wales: The National Plan 2040. As the proposed Moel Chwa Energy Park will generate more than 10MW of energy, it is classed as a Development of National Significance. This means that Bute Energy will apply to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), which will make a recommendation to Welsh Ministers, on whether or not to grant planning permission. Bute Energy currently expect to submit a planning application to PEDW in 2024, after thorough public engagement.

John Reilly, Project Manager at Bute Energy said:

“It has been good to speak to local people about our plans and talk about the important role renewable energy has to play in responding to the Climate Emergency. There is endless potential for renewable energy in Wales – particularly from the wind that blows across our hills and mountains.

“Bute Energy is taking action now to help deliver clean, green energy to our homes and businesses, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the Welsh Government’s target for electricity to be 100% renewable by 2035.

“We really appreciate people taking the time to let us know their thoughts on our initial proposals, and we will take them into account, alongside environmental and technical surveys, ahead of the next round of public consultation – expected later in 2023. 

“Local people also told us how the project’s Community Benefit Fund could support projects and causes close to their heart. Our Community Benefit team is focused on identifying local groups and services to engage with now to understand the needs and aspirations of the communities and how investment can deliver the maximum benefit for the local area.”

Bute Energy has a vision of a healthier, wealthier Wales that uses energy generation as a positive power for the world, for Wales, for local communities – for this and future generations. The company is based in Cardiff and is tackling the Climate Emergency by powering Wales with clean, green energy, and empowering our communities through investment, jobs and skills.

The company is also working with local education, training, and employability providers to create inclusive employment pathways to enter the renewable energy industry. This includes work with colleges to enhance the provision of green skill development programmes available locally, including creating green skills centres of excellence across Wales, enabling a pipeline of talent for the renewable energy industry.

Bute Energy plans to build wind and solar farms across Wales that will help achieve Government Net Zero targets, heat homes, power businesses, and charge Electric Vehicles. Onshore wind is one of the most cost-effective choices for new electricity in the UK – cheaper than gas, nuclear, coal and other renewables.  This will reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels.

These energy generation projects are a partnership between Bute Energy and the people of Wales and will enable major financial investment in nearby communities. As a company based in Cardiff, we will maximise the use of supply chains in Wales and invest in local training schemes and apprenticeship opportunities to make a lasting impact.