CENIN Renewables has obtained official consent to develop a 25-megawatt wind farm on Manmoel Common in Wales. The project, comprising five 5MW turbines, an on-site substation, and underground cabling, received approvals from both the Welsh government and the Blaenau Gwent and Caerphilly Borough Councils.
Consultations with local community councils, residents, and statutory bodies were conducted through the Developments of National Significance (DNS) consenting process.
This project is the third wind farm in Wales to be approved via the DNS system, aligning with the Welsh government's National Development Framework, which supports renewable energy projects in designated areas. Four of the turbines will be located in a Pre-Assessed Area for wind energy, reflecting Wales' progressive energy policy and commitment to sustainable development.
CENIN Renewables projects the wind farm will generate around 61,320 megawatt-hours (MWh) annually, enough to power nearly 59% of Blaenau Gwent households. The wind farm's operational lifespan is expected to be 50 years.
Martyn Popham of CENIN Renewables expressed satisfaction with the approval, emphasizing the project's community involvement. “We're delighted to confirm that permission has now been granted by Welsh government Ministers for us to develop Manmoel Wind and look forward to continuing to work closely with the local community as we begin to develop the site,” he said.
Jim Ravey, associate technical director of Natural Power, which managed the DNS application for CENIN, noted that the project aligns with Welsh national policy. “The proposals are therefore in line with the progressive National Policy adopted in Wales,” he said.
The Manmoel Wind project represents a step forward in Wales' renewable energy ambitions, promising to support local communities while contributing to regional sustainability goals.
