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A wind farm which could generate enough electricity to power 81,000 homes has been approved by the Welsh Government.

Twyn Hywel Energy Park is set to be built by developer Bute Energy on land between Senghenydd, Nelson and Cilfynydd.

The decision comes after a lengthy planning process – held up over concerns about whether the development’s land could be classed as peat, and in contravention of government policy.

Up to 14 wind turbines could be built, with each one having a maximum blade tip height of 200 metres. It is estimated the wind farm could provide 92.4MW of electricity – enough energy to power the equivalent of 81,000 homes a year.

Bute Energy said hundreds of jobs will be created by the project with millions of pounds invested.

Catryn Newton, community investment and communications director at Bute Energy, said: “Onshore wind represents the cheapest and quickest route to generating clean energy and ending our reliance on fossil fuels. The decision is an exciting step forward for Caerphilly and Pontypridd.

“This is a significant opportunity for Wales and for the communities nearest the energy park. Our Community Benefit Fund, alongside our investment in the energy park, will help create local jobs, and support local services, community groups and charities to meet the needs and create opportunities for people and communities near our project.”

The Community Benefit Fund is said to be worth more than £30 million over the 40-year life of the project and will be available to local communities, charities and services. In excess of £700,000 a year will be made available.

The fund has previously been described as an “opportunity too good to miss” by local youth worker Dave Brunton, from the Senghenydd Youth Drop-in Centre.

Plaid Cymru councillor Charlotte Bishop, a member of the Aber Valley Partnership, said: “Bute Energy’s commitment to working with our communities in the development of their energy park and community benefit fund has been hugely successful.

“We are looking forward to working with them to deliver a community fund that will make a real difference to communities in Caerphilly and the surrounding areas.

“The decision to give the go ahead to the energy park is the start of a huge opportunity for our communities, including local jobs and investment, and ensures that we’re playing our part in tackling the climate emergency.”

Caerphilly’s Labour Senedd member Hefin David welcomed the news, but said he would continue to work on behalf of communities affected by the development.

He said: “This is something that has a been a prominent topic locally over the last few years. I am pleased to see that Wales’ aspirations for renewable energy are coming to fruition, particularly under the growing dark cloud that is climate change. Renewables will allow us to lower our carbon emissions, reduce air pollution and create thousands of new Welsh jobs.

“However, as a resident of Nelson myself, I appreciate that this will be a difficult piece of news for some residents, many of whom I have been in touch with throughout the long pre-planning period.

“I would like to reassure these residents that I will continue to work with you to ensure that your communities receive the consideration and support from Bute Energy that you need.”

The decision to grant permission for the wind farm, which is classed as a development of national significance, comes five months after the Welsh Government approved plans for a solar farm near Penyrheol.

How the proposed wind farm could look from across the borough