Developer Bute Energy has concluded the first round of public consultation for its proposed 165MW Llyn Lort Energy Park in Powys, Wales.
The onshore wind farm could generate enough clean, green energy to power the equivalent of nearly 144,000 homes.
The first round of consultations, which ran from 6 September to 18 October 2023, saw three drop-in sessions held locally in Llanfair Caereinion, Carno, and Cefn Coch, where people could view information, talk to the project team and have their say.
Bute Energy has thanked participants and said all feedback received will be carefully considered, along with reports from environmental and technical surveys, ahead of the next round of public consultations – expected in summer 2024.
Located south-west of Llanerfyl and west of Cefn Coch in Powys and entirely 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, Llyn Lort Energy Park includes up to 25 wind turbines with a maximum blade tip height of 220m.
As part of the Llyn Lort Energy Park project, a Community Benefit Fund will be established which is currently anticipated to deliver around £1.2m worth of investment per year locally.
In addition to the fund, Bute Energy said it is committed to ensuring as much investment stays as local as possible. Each contract it awards during development and construction will see partners sign up to a Social Value Standard, which will support and direct partners to invest jobs, time, resources, and money into the communities near projects, aiming to keep as much of our investment in Wales for the benefit of local communities.
“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,” said Bute Energy project manager Iain Foster.
“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 in summer 2024.
“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.”
Llyn Lort Energy Park is classed as a Development of National Significance. This means Bute Energy will apply to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales and a decision on the application will be made by Welsh Ministers.
Bute Energy currently expects to finalise and submit a planning application to PEDW in late 2024.
The site will connect to the electricity transmission network via Green GEN Vyrnwy Frankton, a new overhead line to be built by Green GEN Cymru, part of the Bute Energy Group.