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A wind farm with 14 turbines could be up and running above the Aber Valley by 2025, if it is granted ‘Development of National Significance’ status.

Cardiff-based Bute Energy is behind the plans, which could see the turbines built on land between Senghenydd, Nelson and Cilfynydd – generating enough energy to power the equivalent of 81,000 households a year.

The company has said the development, known as the Twyn Hywel Energy Park, could also see communities benefit from nearly £700,000 a year in funding over the next 45 years.

One community group that could benefit is the Senghenydd Youth Drop-in Centre (SYDIC), which has partnered with Bute Energy to receive support from the project.

It has also said the project would displace around 5.7 million tonnes of carbon dioxide per year, which is the equivalent of taking all cars off the road in Caerphilly County Borough each year.

Bute Energy has submitted an application to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales, which is a Welsh Government body, for its project to become a Development of National Significance.

If approved, this would mean planning permission for the project would be decided by the Welsh Government, as opposed to Caerphilly County Borough Council and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.

Matthew Haughton, project manager for the proposed development, said: “The design of the energy park has evolved through constructive feedback from the local community and other stakeholders, that has seen a reduction in the number of turbines, and a change in location of some of the turbines, to reduce the impact on nearby communities.

“Twyn Hywel also represents a significant package of benefits for the local community. Not only an annual Community Benefit Fund in the region of £693,000 supporting local organisations, groups and service providers, but also the improvement and maintenance of recreation opportunities and other environmental initiatives.”

Mr Haughton highlighted the ongoing climate emergency and cost-of-living crisis and said: “Our supply of energy is threatened by world events. Yet there is endless potential for renewable energy in Wales – particularly from the wind that blows across our hills and mountains.”

The Welsh Government has set a target for Wales to meet 100% of its electricity needs from renewable sources, such as wind farms, by 2035.