Bute Energy has welcomed the UK Government’s support and responded to criticism from Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick, requesting a meeting with him.

Speaking during Welsh Questions in the House of Commons on Wednesday 29 October 2025, the Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP, called on local MPs to back investment in the “green energy revolution” taking place across Wales, which she said would “drive growth, lower bills and deliver jobs.”

The Secretary of State was responding to a question from MP for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe, David Chadwick, who had criticised Bute Energy’s proposals to develop a number of onshore wind turbines energy parks in Powys.

During Welsh Questions last week in Parliament, David Chadwick MP asked: “During the Second World War, over 200 people were forced to leave their homes and give up their land in Epynt when more than half the community was requisitioned for use by the Ministry of Defence.

“Now, Bute Energy and their wealthy investment bank backers want to take the rest. Does the Secretary of State agree that Epynt has already sacrificed enough, and will she work with me to defend the Welsh countryside from once again having its wealth extracted from it with no benefit to local communities?”

In response, The Secretary of State for Wales, MP Jo Stevens said: “Our priority is to drive growth, lower bills, and create jobs through our new green energy revolution and that includes people in his (David Chadwick) constituency.

“Investment in his constituency is something he should be welcoming.”

Following the debate, a Bute Energy spokesperson, Catryn Newton, Community Investment and Communications Director, said: “We welcome the comments from the Secretary of State for Wales in support of the work being undertaken to deliver Wales’ energy revolution. Our projects will help bring down household bills and reinforce energy security for the people of Wales.

“Bute Energy is committed to ensuring that as much investment as possible stays in Wales, supporting local people and businesses. Alongside generating clean energy, our projects will create a wide range of employment opportunities and help Welsh supply chains to thrive.

“We believe it is vital to work hand-in-hand with communities as we develop these projects. We continue to invite all politicians and members of the public to take part in our community consultations, ensuring that all views are heard.

“We would welcome the opportunity to speak with Mr Chadwick about any questions or concerns he might have regarding our projects. We have previously offered to speak with Mr Chadwick on nine separate occasions without reply.

“We believe these issues are critical to the future energy security, economic strength, and infrastructure of Wales. They deserve a fully informed debate.”

Bute Energy say they understand the local concerns raised by Mr Chadwick and recognise the importance of tourism to the local economy, particularly the significance of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

The energy firm also says evidence from across the UK demonstrates that wind farms and strong visitor economies can successfully coexist. They pointed to the Study into the Potential Economic Impact of Wind Farms on Welsh Tourism which found a negligible impact on the national tourism sector, with no evidence that wind farms on visitor routes deter tourists. They gave the example of Scotland’s largest onshore wind site, Whitelee Wind Farm, which has attracted over 1 million visitors since 2009.

A spokesperson for Bute said: “As a core part of our approach, Bute Energy is committed to supporting local groups, charities, and schools through our community investment strategy. We are determined to keep as much of our investment as possible within Wales and to ensure these projects create a lasting legacy for future generations.

“Electricity demand in Wales is expected to nearly triple by 2050. Increasing energy security by generating more of our energy from renewable sources is essential. While onshore wind is not the only solution, it remains one of the most cost-effective and quickest ways to generate electricity in the UK.

“By producing clean, renewable energy here in Wales, our projects will help reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, such as gas, which are subject to global price volatility. This will improve energy security and contribute to stabilising energy prices in the long term.

“Bute Energy would again welcome Mr Chadwick’s engagement in the consultation process and will be writing to his office with a request for a meeting.”