Plans have been released for two new wind farms in Powys, which would see 34 wind turbines built in the area.

Aberedw Energy Park would be built on the top of Aberedw Hill, east of Builth Wells, with the site spanning 1307 hectares.

The Bryn Gilwern Energy Park would be built about 3km south-east of Llandrindod Wells and extends to 1309 hectares.

Renewable energy developer Bute Energy is behind the proposals.

The proposed wind farms would have up to 34 turbines in total with a maximum height of 220m at Bryn Gilwern and 200m at Aberedw.

The release of the plans has now sparked a consultation process.

This first consultation will run until December 20 2023, with community drop-in sessions set to be held to allow local people to view information on the proposals and have their say.

Three public exhibitions will be held in the area this month.

The first is on Thursday, November 23, 2.30pm - 6.30pm in The Strand Hall in Builth Wells, the second is on Friday, November 24, 10.30am - 2.30pm, in Penybont & District Community Centre and the third is on Wednesday, November 29, from 12 midday - 4pm, at the Media Resource Centre (MRC) in Llandrindod Wells.

In this first round of consultation, Bute Energy says they would like to hear the local community’s views on their emerging proposals, including the location of the turbines, buildings, equipment and access routes.

James Nicol, Senior Project Manager at Bute Energy said: “We’re pleased to be launching the proposed Aberedw and Bryn Gilwern Energy Parks. Together they respond to the climate emergency, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and support the Welsh Government’s target for electricity to be 100 per cent renewable by 2035.

“There is endless potential for renewable energy in Wales – particularly from the wind that blows across our hills and mountains. Bute Energy is taking action now to help deliver this clean, green energy to our homes and businesses.

“We want to hear the views of local people, so we can take them into account as we develop our plans. We also want to hear from local people on how we can help support projects and tackle issues in communities around the site – so we can deliver real, meaningful and lasting benefits.”

Bute Energy says the wind farms would be capable of producing approximately 192MW - enough energy to power the equivalent of over 175,000 homes.

The Energy Parks would connect to the electricity transmission network via the proposed Green GEN Cymru Towy Usk green energy network to be built by Green GEN Cymru, part of the Bute Energy Group.

Bute Energy has said that following this round of public consultation, all feedback given will be carefully considered, along with environmental, technical, and ecological surveys, ahead of further public consultation.

Bute Energy has also said two Community Benefits Funds will be established, which combined, are currently anticipated to deliver around £1.4m worth of investment per year locally.

The developer has already launched proposals for other wind farms in the area and accompanying electricity pylons.

A proposed 36-wind turbine development in Radnor Forest, called Nant Mithil Energy Park, has sparked concern from many local people, including MP Fay Jones who said earlier this year that although we need to look at alternative solutions, "carpeting our outstanding countryside" was "not the answer."

Information can also be viewed, and feedback given, on the project websites: www.aberedwenergypark.wales and www.bryngilwernenergypark.wales