Wales has secured its strongest onshore wind result in nearly a decade, with five new projects winning contracts in the UK Government’s latest competitive renewables auction, alongside three tidal stream schemes.

The successful onshore wind projects have a combined capacity of 185.41MW and are all located in south-east Wales, marking a major turnaround after almost ten years of minimal development activity in the sector.

The projects awarded contracts are:

• Mynydd Carn-Y-Cefn Wind Farm – Pennant Walters
• Mynydd Fforch Dwm – Naturalis Energy
• Twyn Hywel Energy Park – Bute Energy
• Upper Ogmore Wind Farm – Marubeni
• Pencarreg Wind Farm – Energyfarm UK

The result underlines the scale of the opportunity for Wales. Over the next decade, onshore wind could contribute £3bn to the Welsh economy and support more than 3,000 well-paid jobs, particularly in rural areas and communities hardest hit by the decline of the coal industry.

Jessica Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said:
“This result is a much needed, and very welcome, breakthrough for onshore wind in Wales, and a clear sign that the sector is ready to move again after years of stalled progress.

“However, this must be the start of a sustained recovery. Wales is still constrained by limited grid capacity, particularly in mid-Wales, and a planning system that has suffered historically from underinvestment and understaffing. These barriers make it difficult to catch up and deliver a steady pipeline of projects eligible for UK auctions.”

She added that a Renewables Sector Deal, “Cymru Clean Power”, between industry and government would provide the certainty needed to unlock further investment.

“A sector deal partnership would set clear targets and stable policy from government, in return for industry delivering affordable clean energy, skilled jobs, long-term local investment and environmental benefits. It is the most effective way to turn this momentum into lasting success.”

Martin Chown, Interim CEO of Bute Energy, which secured the largest Welsh contract for the 94MW Twyn Hywel Energy Park, said:
“Securing a contract for Twyn Hywel Energy Park is a landmark moment for Bute Energy and our first project to enter the auction.

“Onshore wind is one of the UK’s cheapest sources of renewable power and offers exceptional value for billpayers. Wales’ improved performance in this auction shows the depth of appetite from developers, investors and governments to realise the nation’s energy potential.

“With a strong partnership between industry and the Welsh Government, energy security can go hand-in-hand with transformational investment in jobs, local businesses and community benefits across Wales.”