A renewables fund has pledged £600 million to support Welsh wind farms.
If you are investment planning in Cheshire, Shropshire or across the border, Bute Energy is developing 10 major projects across Wales, which it is hoped will generate sufficient power for 2.25 million residential properties.
The projects include, among others, Twyn Hywel, a wind farm that was awarded planning permission in 2024 with a view to generating enough power to supply 81,000 homes across the principality. Another nine wind farms are set to get the green light upon gaining planning permission.
The investment comes courtesy of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), which is taking a minority stake in Bute Energy and Green GEN Cymru, the two companies lined up to construct the wind farm facilities. In total, the investment forms part of a £3 billion onshore wind power portfolio.
The Government is committed to driving forward wind and solar energy in a bid to make the UK less vulnerable to global gas prices. It also hopes to virtually eliminate carbon emissions, reducing them by 95% by the end of the 2020s.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband described the plans as a ‘significant investment’ and a sign of confidence in clean energy strategy.
In a statement, CIP said the investment reflected their belief in the Welsh renewable sector and its ability to deliver essential infrastructure, while meeting national energy targets. For their part, Bute Energy said they hope to create nearly 2,000 jobs and meet around 25% of the Welsh regional government’s aim to achieve 100% renewable energy by 2035.
