Overview
Pen y Cymoedd is a 228 MW onshore wind farm in the United Kingdom, operated by Vattenfall. It is one of the largest onshore wind projects in England and Wales, contributing significantly to the UK's renewable energy targets.
Pen y Cymoedd is a 228 MW onshore wind farm located in the United Kingdom, specifically in the uplands of Neath Port Talbot, Wales. Developed by Vattenfall (previously Nuon Renewables), it is one of the largest onshore wind farms in England and Wales, with 76 turbines generating enough electricity to power approximately 188,000 homes annually. The facility operates under the UK's regulatory framework, which includes the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme supporting renewable energy. The 228 MW capacity places it in the large-scale category for onshore wind, typical for modern wind farms in the region. The UK's Renewable Energy Directive targets and net-zero goals provide a supportive policy environment for such projects. Pen y Cymoedd plays a key role in the UK's transition to low-carbon energy, displacing fossil fuel generation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The wind farm also contributes to local community benefits through a community fund. Its location in the Welsh uplands takes advantage of strong wind resources, though it requires careful management of visual and ecological impacts.
Environmental context
The wind farm is situated in the upland landscape of South Wales, an area characterized by open moorland and forestry. The region's strong wind resources make it suitable for wind energy generation. Environmental considerations include potential impacts on bird and bat populations, as well as visual effects on the landscape. The project includes measures to mitigate these impacts, such as turbine placement and monitoring programs.
Frequently asked questions
Pen y Cymoedd is located in the uplands of Neath Port Talbot, South Wales, United Kingdom.
The 228 MW wind farm generates enough electricity to power approximately 188,000 homes annually.
Pen y Cymoedd is owned and operated by Vattenfall, a Swedish energy company, which acquired the project from Nuon Renewables.
The UK supports onshore wind through the Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme, which provides stable revenue for low-carbon electricity, and the Renewable Energy Directive targets aligned with the EU's 42.5% renewable energy goal by 2030.
Onshore wind farms can affect bird and bat populations and alter landscapes. Pen y Cymoedd includes mitigation measures such as turbine placement and monitoring to minimize these impacts.