Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, Wales’ state-owned renewable energy company, has announced plans to develop three new onshore wind farms with a combined capacity of up to 400 megawatts (MW), in its first major project rollout since its launch in 2024.
The proposed wind farms — Clocaenog Dau (132MW) in Denbighshire and Conwy, Glyn Cothi (162MW) in Carmarthenshire, and Carreg Wen (108MW) in Rhondda Cynon Taf — are expected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 350,000 homes, equivalent to around one-quarter of all households in Wales.
“These proposals demonstrate our commitment to harnessing Wales’ abundant natural resources to generate clean energy while ensuring the benefits are felt locally,” said Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning.
The projects will be located on the Welsh Government’s woodland estate, which spans 126,000 hectares, or roughly 6% of Wales’ total land area. Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru aims to deliver 1 gigawatt (GW) of new renewable capacity on public land by 2040. Additional projects are in the pipeline and are expected to be announced later this year.
Most of the announced projects currently have grid connection dates set for the mid-2030s. However, the developer said it is engaging with ongoing grid reform efforts to secure earlier access.
“It is essential that we work with communities and ensure the benefits of these projects are shared,” said Richard Evans, Chief Executive of Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru. “Communities will be involved and funding will support local priorities.”
The wind farms are projected to create hundreds of jobs during construction and operational phases. Trydan said it is committed to working with Welsh companies throughout project development.
The announcement comes as part of broader efforts by the Welsh Government to increase renewable energy generation and improve energy security through public-sector-led development.
