Yes, the scheme will have a capacity of 60MW which, in houses for instance, is 60,000 homes.

Wales has a fantastic wind resource and there are major benefits in capturing this low carbon energy. Local generation means more money will be generated in the local community and also gives increased energy security in very unsure times.

The wind farm is proposed on Mynydd Y Gaer Common found to the north of Heol Y Cyw and to the south east of Blackmill and south of Glynogwr.

The noise produced by wind turbines is carefully assessed throughout the planning process to make sure the scheme is suitable for the local area. Modern turbines have multiple different noise settings, meaning noise can be fully controlled.

Shadow flicker is the flickering effect caused when rotating wind turbine blades periodically cast shadows through constrained openings such as the windows of neighbouring properties. Yet again, the shadow flicker is seriously assessed throughout the planning process to affecting areas. There are multiple settings on the turbines that can prevent the shadow casting near your property, including a shutdown scheme at certain hours.

Mynydd y Gaer will remain open and accessible to all including the commoners’ graziers.

Once constructed, work on the turbines is minimal – they are usually serviced every 6 months.

Because wind turbines are getting bigger this means they can be seen as having less of an impact on the landscape. A turbine now has a capacity of 5MW however, smaller turbines are 500Kw meaning 10 small turbines would be needed or 1 larger turbine. If you wanted to create a windfarm of 25MW that would either, be 5 large wind turbines or 50 small wind turbines and I think the majority of us would agree less turbines but bigger would fit better in the landscape and be more visually pleasing. As a result larger turbines have a bigger rotor so rotate slower, still creating lots of power but in a graceful way, whereas small turbines can be ‘whizzy’ as they turn very quickly.

The 132kv substation for the wind turbines will actually be placed down in the heart of Ty’n Y Waun solar, so only a few electrical small cabins will be part of the wind farm. The grid connection will run down from Mynydd Y Gaer wind to Ty’n Y Waun Solar substation and all the way to Pyle substation. 

As technology develops, turbine towers are becoming taller to reach optimum wind speeds at higher altitudes. Larger rotor diameters allow wind turbines to sweep more area, capture more wind, and produce more electricity, as a result of this, turbines are becoming far more efficient.

Wind turbines in the UK are an off-white colour to blend in with cloudy skylines and minimise visual impact. In other countries around the world some wind turbines have red strips around the blades as a way to show that they are proud of their renewable energy, so show it off.

Mynydd Y Gaer has been identified as a suitable location for wind energy by Welsh Government and as such is designated as a ‘Pre-Assessed Area for Wind’ we are a Welsh developer that’s aim is to ensure that the scheme delivers local benefit.

Offshore wind comes with many additional issues, onshore is a cost-effective operation with much quicker installation and easier maintenance. By having onshore local wind generation there is the possibility of using the power locally bringing more benefit and opportunities to local communities.

It’s likely some of the turbines will have aviation lighting as they will be over the requirement 150m to blade tip.

Batteries are a relatively new technology which is evolving all the time. At present Lithium-Ion batteries are the most commonly used, these can smoke and catch fire in rare instances. However Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are rapidly becoming popular as they can last just as long as Lithium Ion if not further, they are made out of Iron a common material and are considered much more sustainable and ethical. Lithium Iron Phosphate batteries are also much safter so have moved to become the preferred battery type. 

Currently the majority of a wind turbine’s parts can be recycled, and the industry is hopefully that by the end of the operation of this project’s generation (50 years) all parts will be fully recyclable. 

A maximim of 2 years, the main part of the build will only take few months.

All schools within a 10km radius of the site have been offered a free school visit and free transport to our Parc Stormy site for a guided tour. Schools that have visited so far include:

• Bryncethin Primary School
• Ysgol Bryn Castell
• Ysgol Gynradd Calon y Cymoedd

Find out more about our education work and how to get in touch to arrange your visit here.

We are committed to supporting local clubs, groups and associations that support and enhance community well-being near our projects.

Through the development of the Bridgend Energy Hub we have so far been delighted to provide such support to:

• Heol Y Cyw Rugby Club
• Jade Evans (Tumbler)
• Heol Y Cyw Social Club
• U16 Boys National Basketball Squad
• Heol Y Cyw Welfare Hall

Find out more about our commitment to the communities in which we work, and how to get in touch with us here.