Government policy, as set out in Future Wales: The National Plan 2040, provides a positive policy framework for renewable energy.

The Welsh Government’s Pre-assessed Areas for Wind Energy as identified in Future Wales: The National Plan 2040 do not necessarily exclude other areas for wind farm development, nor do they mean that all areas outside the pre-assessed areas are inappropriate places for an energy park.

The Welsh Government set renewable energy targets as part of a commitment to a more sustainable future for Wales. The target is for Wales to generate 100% of its electricity needs from renewable energy sources by 2035 in order to combat the climate emergency.  The wind patterns in the area are strong and consistent so this is a good location for wind turbines.  The area is also rural and sparsely populated.

We will undertake a cumulative impact assessment of the Esgair Ddu Energy Park in relation to existing, approved and proposed projects in the area. The Planning Inspector will take into consideration the potential cumulative impact.

Our Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment will consider the potential visual impact of the proposal from different areas and the impact on visual amenity for residential properties. Our proposals are for wind turbines up to 230 metres in height to blade tip. Using larger turbines means that more renewable energy can be generated by each turbine, which reduces the number of turbines required for the same amount of energy.

Co-locating battery (commonly known as BESS) on the site will allows power to be stored when the wind isn’t blowing, or the sun isn’t shining.

The battery stores the excess energy that is produced during high winds or sunny days and then exports that stored energy back to the grid when generation is low and energy is needed.  It also provides a ‘balancing role’, helping to ensure that the grid remains stable at all times.

Wind turbines and solar power together will ensure that the Esgair Ddu Energy Park is producing more energy during more hours of the year. Solar panels and wind turbines work well together and the times when solar and wind energy are at their best are the exact opposite of each other. Solar is best during daylight hours in the summer. Meanwhile, wind turbines tend to produce the most electricity during nighttime hours in the winter.  This makes a wind turbine plus solar panels a natural combination. A hybrid energy system with solar and wind energy can produce a consistent source of electricity throughout the year, with the strengths of each resource balancing the other’s weaknesses. As production from one resource dwindles daily or seasonally, the other begins to pick up the slack with more generation.

Noise levels from turbines is well understood. Existing background noise levels will be measured at locations around the site. The noise from the Energy Park would meet the strict requirements of national guidance and be within the appropriate limits set. Noise from construction will be  managed through good practice measures such as established work hours, noise management programmes and delivery timings.

Conditions on any noise emissions from the proposal will be set by the local planning authority throughout construction and operation.

The electricity generated would go the National Grid which transmits electricity across all of the UK. Electricity from the project would be likely to be distributed locally, prior to going to larger settlements further away. 

The connection from Esgair Ddu Energy Park to the National Grid will form a separate planning application.

GALILEO empower was founded in 2020, but our team already had a long history of success in developing renewable energy businesses and pipelines worldwide. We are growing rapidly as a pan-European, multi-technology renewable energy developer, owner, and operator.  Esgair Ddu Energy Park is being led by our Cardiff-based team.   GALILEO empower are also employing specialists to support in delivering the energy park, such as Aberystwyth based Natural Power Consultants, who has successfully consented projects all across Wales, including the extension at Carno, Powys.

Our projects are funded by four long term pension and infrastructure investors – Morrison and Co, Infratil, NZSuperfund and the Australian Government Commonwealth Superannuation Corporation. 

GALILEO empower Wales is registered in Cardiff and all corporation taxes etc will be paid in the UK.

GALILEO empower is committed to promoting Welsh language and culture. Welsh will be treated as an equal language to English for community and stakeholder engagement relating to this project. All key consultation materials will be produced in Welsh and English. 

Welsh language project team members will be present at the two consultation events.

Some areas of the site are Open Access land, as defined by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act.  A number of Public Rights of Way (PRoWs) also cross the site. Our indicative turbine layout aims to avoid siting infrastructure close to PRoWs where possible. We will seek to minimise disruption to users of PRoWs. Any mitigation for PRoWs will be agreed with Powys County Council Public Rights of Way Officer to ensure suitable diversions or replacements are in place should these be required. There will be no restriction to PRoW users during the operational phase, and certain restrictions may be in place during the construction phase, ensuring the safety of members of the public and the construction staff.

There is no study that has shown a direct link between tourism and wind development.  There are many examples across the country of sites being used for a range of different recreational actives including walking and horse riding.  There are also examples of renewable energy projects maintaining and enhancing public access across sites.

There is no clear evidence that supports a correlation between wind farms and a consistent negative effect on house prices.

A 2016 study by climateXchange on the impact of wind turbines on house prices in Scotland¹ found no evidence of a consistent negative effect on house prices.

¹ climateXchange. ‘Impact of wind turbines on house prices in Scotland’ (2016)

We are keen to explore the potential for discounting energy bills for those closest to the Energy Park.​

This will be open to residents, businesses and community buildings​ in the local vicinity.  Further details will be made available as proposals evolve.

We are fully committed to involve local communities in all stages of the project, and this includes using local suppliers during the construction and operation phases of the project.  This will maximise opportunities for local businesses to provide goods and services.

The Energy Park would have an operational lifespan of up to 50 years. At present, most of the wind turbine parts can be readily recycled, due to the fact that its main component is steel.

The technology used is continuing to develop and improve. Therefore, by the time we proceed to procurement, there is likely to have been further advances in the technology for recycling.