In our nation, people and nature will work together for a brighter, cleaner future.
Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru (Trydan), is Wales’ renewable energy developer wholly owned by the Welsh Government. We are investigating the potential for new wind farms with battery energy storage within a number of Welsh Government Woodland Estate blocks, including Brechfa Forest. Located approximately 20km north-east of Carmarthen, the Brechfa Forest lies within Carmarthenshire County Council.
Trydan is on a mission to unlock the renewable energy potential of Wales. By looking to develop renewable energy on primarily Welsh Government owned land, such as its woodland estate like Brechfa Forest, Trydan aims to maximise the value of this land and our natural resources for the people of Wales.
Feasibility work indicates the proposed Glyn Cothi Wind Farm could accommodate up to 27 modern, highly efficient wind turbines. The project would make an important contribution to tackling energy security and climate change by delivering up to 162 MW of clean electricity, enough to power 144,000 average Welsh homes.[1]
Managed by Natural Resources Wales (NRW), Brechfa Forest covers approximately 6,500 hectares and is used for timber production, provides recreation through its popular walking and cycle paths, and is already home to wind generation projects. Our proposals will not stop the on-going activities within the forest block carrying on, as they do today. In fact, this is about ensuring we do more to protect livelihoods, create and support new jobs, look-out for nature, and play our role in combatting climate change.
[1] Annual average electricity consumption = 162 MW (installed capacity) x 0.3082 (all wind load factor) x 8760 hours / 3.032 MWh. Source: RenewableUK. UK Wind Energy Database https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/ukwed/ Mean domestic electricity consumption by country/region. Source: DESNZ Subnational Electricity and Gas Consumption Statistics Regional and Local Authority, Great Britain, 2022 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b12dfff2718c000dfb1c9b/subnational-electricity-and-gas-consumption-summary-report-2022.pdf
Meet the Project Manager
“This is a very good site for a wind farm, with good wind resource and in an area that already supports wind energy. I am looking forward to getting out and about to meet people locally to share ideas on how we can make this the best possible project for Carmarthenshire and for Wales."
David Thomas, Project Manager for Glyn Cothi Wind Farm
Why have we chosen this site?
Many parts of Wales provide excellent sites for onshore wind. Located on the edge of the Atlantic, the wind often blows hard here, especially on upland hills and plateaus. In the case of our Glyn Cothi proposals, the commercial forestry operation already makes good use of the land owned by Welsh Government. Working with Natural Resources Wales we can make even better use of the space, by putting much needed renewable energy infrastructure here.
About the project
Indicative timeline
Getting to know the site and its physical characteristics, (e.g. how strongly and consistently does the wind blow across the area we are interested in?) and collect specific data on habitats (e.g. soils) and species.
Did you know we will undertake significant ornithological and ecological surveys to fully understand the site? Considering access routes for transporting wind turbine blades to site. Talking to people who can help us understand the local context.
Sharing early-stage information about the project and initial discussions about the project with local people.
Begin to engage with local communities by attending meetings and events.
We will hold an informal public consultation, including holding local events, and listening to what people tell us.
There is still some way to go before our design is complete, and local feedback is important to help us to refine the evolving design.
We will submit a Scoping Report to the planning inspectorate, Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), which describes the project and ask for PEDW’s feedback on our early-stage plans.
We will apply to Carmarthenshire County Council for planning permission to erect a meteorological mast onsite to measure the wind resource.
We will continue to speak to people and listen.
All the feedback we receive will inform the plans that are submitted for planning consent.
Alongside the planning application, we will submit a consultation report, describing the dialogue we have undertaken to hear community and stakeholder views, and how we have incorporated them into our design.
An independent Planning Inspector will be appointed to examine the planning application, including all representations.
The Inspector decides whether a hearing, inquiry, or additional written representations are needed. If so, the Inspector might invite interested parties to participate.
Following a recommendation from the Inspector.
If the planning application is approved, any conditions imposed upon the planning permission would be discharged in conjunction with Carmarthenshire County Council. Pre-construction works to prepare the site would commence.
18-24 months estimated duration.
A Construction Transport Management Plan is agreed with the local authority and sets out restrictions on transport routes and hours of work.
35 years of clean, renewable energy generation & realising benefits for Wales.
This indicative timeline is intended to provide an overview of the careful process Trydan will follow, with the aim of shaping the best possible project. By this we mean, a project of the best design, in the right place, to deliver long-lasting benefits for the local area and for Wales.