CPRW raises concerns over onshore impact as Welsh Government unveils green energy plan
A MAJOR step towards energy independence has been announced with the launch of three new wind farms under Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, the publicly owned renewable energy developer for Wales.
The three proposed sites—Clocaenog Dau in Denbighshire/Conwy, Glyn Cothi in Carmarthenshire, and Carreg Wen in Rhondda Cynon Taf—are set to deliver up to 400 megawatts of clean electricity, enough to power 350,000 homes, equivalent to around a quarter of all households in Wales.
A national push for net-zero
The projects form part of the Welsh Government’s wider ambition to develop 1 GW of renewable energy capacity on public land by 2040, with a target of meeting 70% of Wales’ electricity demand from renewables by 2030, rising to 100% by 2035.
The Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Economy, Rebecca Evans MS, said: “These proposals demonstrate our commitment to harnessing Wales’ abundant natural resources to generate clean energy while ensuring the benefits are felt locally.”
She added that developing the projects on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate, which covers 6% of Wales, ensures public land is being used to combat the climate emergency and generate long-term economic benefits.
Concerns from countryside charity
However, not everyone has welcomed the announcement without reservation. The Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW) issued a statement on Thursday (Jul 10) expressing concern over the potential landscape and biodiversity impacts of large-scale onshore wind projects.
Dr Jonathan Dean, Trustee of CPRW, said: “We fully support the transition to renewable energy and the goal of retaining profits for the benefit of Welsh communities. However, we remain disappointed that Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru have not chosen to pursue a more effective and publicly acceptable approach offshore.”
Jonty Colchester, CPRW Chairman, added: “Publicly owned renewable energy projects must set the gold standard for sustainable development. This means not only clean energy generation but also protection of Wales’ treasured natural and cultural landscapes.”
The charity is calling for site-specific impact assessments, greater community involvement, and a transparent development process to ensure that renewable energy goals do not undermine the very environment they are meant to protect.
Jobs and investment for Wales
According to Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru Chief Executive Richard Evans, the developments are expected to create hundreds of jobs during both the construction and operational phases, with a strong emphasis on working with Welsh companies and supply chains.
“We will create and support quality jobs, contribute to skills initiatives and ensure funding supports local priorities,” Mr Evans said.
He also confirmed that profits from the projects will be reinvested in Welsh public services and communities.
Labour attacks Farage and Plaid Cymru
In a political aside, Ms Evans took aim at opposition voices, including Nigel Farage, accusing him of wanting to “turn back the clocks” by scrapping green projects and “sending people back down the pits.”
She also criticised Plaid Cymru for supporting net-zero targets while allegedly obstructing the infrastructure needed to achieve them.
“Only Welsh Labour are looking to the future,” she said, “with optimism and ambition to seize the opportunities that come with the green revolution and harness them to deliver for the people of Wales.”
