The local community is being invited to find out more and have its say on emerging plans for a new renewable energy park, called Nant Mithil, located approximately 9 km east of Llandrindod Wells near Llandegley in Powys.
Based in and focused on Wales, Bute Energy is developing proposals for approximately 36 wind turbines, with a maximum blade height of 220m. The plans may also include solar photovoltaic panels and battery storage, subject to further technical studies.
It is estimated that the energy park could generate up to 235 MW of wind energy, which is equivalent to providing enough power to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 200,000 homes.
The site is currently used for pasture grazing with hilltop moorland and small blocks of forestry.
Bute Energy is committed to working closely with local communities in relation to the Nant Mithil project including potential uses for the community benefit fund associated with the project. Bute is carrying out early engagement on its proposals for the energy park to give local people the opportunity to find out more and discuss the proposals with the project team.
Public exhibitions are being held on:
• Wednesday, September 28, 3pm to 8pm at New Radnor Centre, Hall Lane, New Radnor, Presteigne, LD8 2SW
• Thursday, September, 19 3pm to 8pm at Penybont District Community Centre, A44, Penybont, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5AU
The project team are also hosting a webinar on Wednesday, October 4 2022 from 6pm to 7pm providing an opportunity to find out more about the project and meet the team virtually. Please register your interest at nantmithilenergypark.wales/
The public exhibition boards can be viewed online (from Wednesday, September 28 2022), and online feedback forms are available at the project website: nantmithilenergypark.wales/. The deadline for comments is Monday, October 31 2022.
All feedback will then be reviewed and used to help inform the final proposals for the energy park. The detailed proposals will form the basis of the statutory consultation next year.
Dafydd Williams, Project Manager at Bute Energy, said:“We believe that Energy Parks, such as Nant Mithil, can play an important role in increasing renewable energy generation within Wales and securing affordable energy security for the UK.
“We want to hear from as many people as possible about their thoughts on our initial proposals for the site as this plays an important part in developing the onward plans. We want the local communities to have the opportunity to influence the proposals we’re developing.
“We want to work closely with the local community to identify local needs and help deliver wider community benefits. We encourage feedback on how best we can run and shape our community benefit fund”.
Bute Energy is also undertaking a consultation on the early proposals for Banc Du Energy Park and Rhiwlas Energy Park, near Llangurig. The consultation was launched in early September but as a mark of respect for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Bute Energy postponed the community consultation events. Public exhibitions are now being held on:
Tuesday, October 4, 3.30pm to 7.30pm at Llanidloes Community Hall, SY18 6EY L
Wednesday, October, 5, 3.30pm to 7.30pm at Llangurig Community Centre, SY18 6SG
The deadline for comments is Monday, October 17 2022. To find out more about these proposals please visit: bancduenergypark.wales and rhiwlasenergypark.wales.
Bute is developing a grid development strategy and is currently assessing potential route corridors to connect it’s mid-Wales energy parks to the National Transmission System operated by National Grid. Detailed grid proposals will be brought forward separately for consultation, starting in 2023.
To find out more and sign up for updates on the Nant Mithil Energy Park proposals, visit nantmithilenergypark.wales.