This is a proposal for the second phase of a wind-farming project that started in Wales in 1997. Faced by the catastrophic decline in farming incomes, three Welsh hill-farming families set about harnessing their greatest natural asset - wind. Between them they formed a cooperative called Cwmni Gwynt Teg and have since developed, financed and built a wind farm on their own land.
Moel Moelogan now has two operational wind turbines that are producing electricity for the local grid system in Conwy County, Wales. The combined output of these turbines is 2.6 megawatts per hour - enough to supply 1,600 homes. Moel Moelogan is the first community project of its kind in the UK, being 100% locally owned and with all income generated remaining in the area.
The second phase, Ail Wynt, meaning 'second wind', was originally designed to build a further 11 turbines. After consultation with local people and with the Countryside Council for Wales, the plans were revised slightly and a planning application was made for just 9 turbines sited in slightly different positions.
If it goes ahead, Ail Wynt will produce 30.7MW of energy per year, enough for a further 7,300 homes. This represents 16% of the homes in Conwy County. All economic benefits from the expanded farm will remain in the area. Cwmni Gwynt Teg will donate £50,000 a year to an Energy Savings Grant scheme. This will be match funded and used to help local families and schools take energy saving measures that will reduce their annual fuel bills. Cwmni Gwynt Teg will also donate £15,000 a year to two local councils to support local initiatives. Local contractors will be used to construct the new turbines and part of the finance for the project will come from a bond issue to be offered to local residents.
