EDF Renewables UK’s application to build its 85MW Garn Fach Wind Farm and energy storage facility south of Newtown, Mid Wales, has been approved by Welsh Ministers.
The 17 state-of-the-art turbine project will be capable of generating enough renewable electricity to meet the equivalent needs of 69,000 average UK homes. An energy storage facility onsite will also support flexible capacity and the integration of the renewable energy onto the national grid.
The firm described it as a “milestone” and said it marked a major step forward in its commitment to renewable energy and combating climate change in Wales.
EDF Renewables UK’s Director for Onshore Wind Jon O’Sullivan said:
“We are pleased that the Welsh Government has approved our planning application for Garn Fach Wind Farm. The site is an excellent location for a wind farm and has the potential to make a significant positive impact in Wales and to the local community.”
A community fund worth more than £10 million will be established over the lifetime of the project. EDF Renewables UK also says its commitment to habitat enhancement and restoration measures will also provide biodiversity net benefit on site. New footpaths and cycle tracks will also be created across the site, along with a visitor car park.
Savills Cardiff supported the application for the scheme on behalf of EDF Renewables UK.
Jack Pugsley specialises in planning for energy and infrastructure and led on the project on behalf of Savills Cardiff. He said:
“In recommending the application for approval, the Inspector recognised that the importance of peat increased as a consequence of changes to national planning policy during its examination. Notwithstanding that, in approving the application, the Cabinet Secretary agreed with the applicant that the scheme meets the high test of being ‘wholly exceptional’, due to its contribution to the Welsh Government’s renewable energy targets, and overall improvement in the peatland resource on the site.
“The Inspector noted that the need case, as set out in Savills’ Planning Statement addendum, was compelling, which, together with input from the rest of the project team, provided a clear case for permission to be granted. This is a welcome decision that reflects positively on the hard work and commitment of the entire project team.”
Responding to the approval, RenewableUK Cymru’s Director, Jess Hooper, said:
“This is a tremendous shot in the arm for the Welsh renewables industry. Garn Fach is a significant milestone project for Wales, and we are delighted it has got the go ahead after more than two years in the planning system.
“Now the Welsh Government has committed to a sector deal with Wales’ renewable energy industry, this will help us to work in partnership to accelerate planning decisions and provide greater clarity to drive inward investment and green economic growth.”
Earlier this month RenewableUK Cymru called for the Welsh Government to expediate planning decisions after three onshore wind projects with a combined capacity of 200MW were reported as stalled within the system. Two of those projects, Manmoel (25MW) and Garn Fach (85MW), have subsequently been consented. Bute Energy are still awaiting a decision on their Tywyn Hywel windfarm (92.4MW), said RenewableUK Cymru.
