Coriolis Energy and ESB have officially submitted a planning application for the Y Bryn Wind Farm, a 130MW renewable energy project, to the Welsh Government. This significant step follows an extensive consultation process spanning three phases from 2021 to 2023, which included engagement with local communities and technical experts, including Natural Resources Wales.
Located on the Welsh Government Woodland Estate northeast of Port Talbot, the Y Bryn Wind Farm proposal has been validated by Planning and Environment Decision Wales (PEDW). The project is now poised for examination in the coming months.
The wind farm, comprising up to 18 turbines, is projected to potentially meet the annual energy needs of 68% of households in Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend combined, while simultaneously offsetting over 137,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel generation each year.
Furthermore, the Y Bryn Wind Farm aligns with the Welsh Government's ambitious target of achieving 100% renewable electricity consumption by 2030. Developers also express an aspiration to allocate at least 1.5GW within community ownership.
In a bid to foster community engagement and support, agreements have been reached to establish the ‘Awel y Bryn Co-op', in collaboration with local energy charity Awel Aman Tawe (AAT), as well as Neath Port Talbot Council for Voluntary Service (NPTCVS) and Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO). These partnerships aim to facilitate an industry-leading Community Benefit Fund and Shared Ownership schemes.
Trevor Hunter, Project Manager for Y Bryn, expressed optimism about the project's prospects, stating, “We are excited for the examination period to commence and pleased that we have been able to engage with so many stakeholders interested in the development.” He highlighted the project's potential to contribute significantly to Wales' renewable energy targets and extended gratitude to all participants in the consultation process.
The planning application is currently under the scrutiny of an Inspector from Planning Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), who will conduct an examination before a final decision is rendered by Welsh Ministers. Hunter urged all stakeholders with views on the proposals to actively participate in the PEDW Examination process.
