Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, the publicly owned renewable energy company developed by the Welsh Government, has announced plans for three new wind farms with the potential to generate up to 400MW of electricity
The three windfarms would provide enough to meet the electricity needs of around a quarter of the homes in Wales and would represent a significant step towards Trydan’s ambition to develop 1 GW of new renewable energy generation capacity in Wales by 2040.
This is the first project announcement since Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru (Welsh for ‘Green Electricity Wales’) was launched in 2024 as part of the country’s commitment to tackling climate change, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and ensuring the economic benefits of renewable energy stay within Wales.
The company’s main focus is on developing renewable energy projects, especially onshore wind, on public land managed by Natural Resources Wales.
The first three proposed sites are:
- Clocaenog Dau Wind Farm, Denbighshire/Conwy (up to 132 MW)
- Glyn Cothi Wind Farm, Carmarthenshire (up to 162 MW)
- Carreg Wen Wind Farm, Rhondda Cynon Taf (up to 108 MW)
The wind farms will be developed on the Welsh Government’s woodland estate, which covers 126,000 hectares – 6% of Wales’ total land area – and contains some of the country’s best potential sites for renewable energy generation.
Cutting Wales’ carbon emissions is a key commitment of the Welsh Government, which aims for Wales to generate enough renewable electricity to meet 70% of what’s used in Wales by 2030, rising to 100% by 2035.
The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans said: ‘These proposals demonstrate our commitment to harnessing Wales’ abundant natural resources to generate clean energy while ensuring the benefits are felt locally.
‘By developing these projects on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, we’re making best use of our public land to tackle the climate emergency and create sustainable economic opportunities.’
More renewable energy projects will be announced later this year.
Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru’s Chief Executive, Richard Evans, said: ‘With Trydan driving development, and with the profits from this investment retained in Wales, we have a unique opportunity to optimise the projects and the multiple benefits they bring.
‘In parts of Wales suitable for infrastructure installations, and across Wales, working with delivery partners, we will create and support quality, direct and indirect jobs in the renewable energy sector and supply chains, and contribute to skills initiatives. Communities will be involved and funding will support local priorities.
‘As a Wales-wide developer, we can commit to nation-wide, strategic programmes, such as habitat management and restoration, and we look forward to working with stakeholders to define ambitious, long-term enhancements.’
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