More than a dozen wind turbines could be built as residents are asked for their say

Residents are being asked for their opinion on a proposed wind farm, which could see around around 14 200-metre high turbines but surrounding the Aber Valley.

According to the company behind the development, Bute Energy, the wind farm could be up and running by the end of 2025 – generating enough electricity to power around 80,000 homes each year.

This is a separate pre-application consultation to the proposed wind farm near Rhymney.

Communities surrounding the wind farm, which will be called Twyn Hywel Energy Park, are set to receive a substantial windfall for grassroots projects.

Some projects have already started receiving money, like the Senghenydd Youth Drop-in Centre.

The community benefit Bute Energy is willing to offer has been set at £7,500 per megawatt of installed capacity. Fourteen turbines, each with a capacity of 6.6MW, means £693,000 could be available.

Bute Energy is hosting seven consultation events over the next ten days, so that residents can find out more about the project, and raise any concerns before a planning application is drafted early next year.

The consultation dates are as follows:

• Senghenydd Community Centre – Wednesday November 30, 12pm to 7.30pm.
• Trallwn Community Centre – Thursday December 1, 12pm to 7.30pm.
• Cilfynydd Community Centre – Friday December 2, 1pm to 4pm.
• Nelson Institute – Monday December 5, 12pm to 7.30pm.
• Nelson Institute – Tuesday December 6, 12pm to 7.30pm.
• Abertridwr YMCA – Wednesday December 7, 12pm to 7.30pm.
• Llanbradach Community Centre – Thursday December 8, 12pm to 7.30pm.
• Online webinar – Thursday December 8, 6pm to 7pm.

Matthew Haughton, Twyn Hywel Energy Park project manager, said: “We were overwhelmed by the constructive feedback we have received so far and are excited to be consulting with the community and stakeholders regarding the proposals on the final plans for Twyn Hywel Energy Park.

“It represents an opportunity for a significant contribution for renewable power generation for Caerphilly, Rhondda and Wales, as well as a significant package of benefits for the local communities surrounding the site.”

Members of the public have until Monday, January 9 to send in their ideas and feedback to twyn.hywel@bute.energy or call on 02920 023682.

To read more about the project, visit Bute Energy‘s website.