The local community is being invited to find out more and have its say on emerging plans for two new renewable energy parks, Banc Du and Rhiwlas, in Powys.

Based in and focused on Wales, Bute Energy is developing proposals for up to 15 wind turbines at Rhiwlas Energy Park and up to seven wind turbines at Banc Du Energy Park, with a maximum blade height of 200m. The plans may also include photovoltaic solar panels and battery storage, subject to further technical studies.

Combined, it is estimated that the two energy parks could generate up to 145 MW of electricity, which is equivalent to providing enough power to meet the annual electricity needs of approximately 125,500 homes.

The two energy parks are situated close to Llangurig. The Rhiwlas project is located approximately 2km to the southeast and the Banc Du project is located approximately 2km to the northwest. Both sites are currently a mix of grazing land and hilltop moorland, with some small blocks of forestry.

Bute Energy is committed to working closely with local communities in relation to both the Banc Du and Rhiwlas projects, including potential uses for the community benefit fund associated with each project. Bute is carrying out early engagement on its proposals for the two energy parks to give local people the opportunity to find out more and discuss the proposals with the project team.

Given the close proximity of the two energy parks, Bute Energy is running the project programmes concurrently, as well as a joint consultation process.

Due to the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, Bute Energy has decided to postpone the community consultation events for the Banc Du & Rhiwlas Energy Parks, Powys as a mark of respect.

These were scheduled for:

• Wednesday, September 14, Llangurig Community Centre – Postponed

• Thursday, September 15, Llanidloes Community Hall – Postponed

Bute Energy will be providing regular updates are available on the project websites:

bancduenergypark.wales/ rhiwlasenergypark.wales/

Bute Energy will notify you of the rearranged dates in due course.

The project team also hosted a webinar on Thursday, September 8 2022 from 6pm to 7pm providing an opportunity to find out more about the project and meet the team virtually. The webinar can be viewed at: bancduenergypark.wales and rhiwlasenergypark.wales.

The public exhibition boards can be viewed online (from Tuesday, October 4 2022) and online feedback forms are available at the project websites: bancduenergypark.wales and rhiwlasenergypark.wales. The deadline for comments is Monday, October 17 2022.

To find out more and sign up for updates on the Banc Du and Rhiwlas Energy Park proposals, visit: bancduenergypark.wales and rhiwlasenergypark.wales