Brecon and Radnorshire MP Fay Jones, has officially voiced her strong opposition to the proposed wind turbines and associated works by Green Generation Energy Networks Cymru Ltd in Mid Wales.

Ms Jones sent two letter on Tuesday, May 7, detailing her stance and the collective concerns of her constituents.

The first letter, to Green Generation Energy Networks Cymru Ltd, outlines significant issues with the proposed energy developments, including potential severe impacts on the region’s natural beauty, tourism, local jobs, ecological balance, and the health and wellbeing of the community.

Ms Jones emphasised the deep-seated opposition rooted in a multitude of concerns raised during numerous public meetings, as well as through hundreds of emails, telephone calls, and messages on social media from her constituents.

Green Gen Cymru has been approached for comment regarding this letter.

The second letter was sent to the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets (Ofgem), formally objecting to the granting of an Independent Distribution Network Operator License to Green Generation Energy Networks Cymru Limited. This letter raises concerns over the proposed operational model and financial stability of the applicant, which appear incongruent with regulatory standards and the long-term strategic interests of the National Grid and the wider energy market.

These actions are a result of an “unprecedented public response” and significant apprehensions voiced by her constituents. The feedback came through multiple channels following public meetings organised by the MP across the constituency, highlighting widespread resistance to the proposed developments.

"The voices of the people of Mid Wales are clear, and they must be heard,” said Ms Jones.

“These developments pose a threat not only to our cherished landscapes but also to the very fabric of our community. It is essential that we seek alternatives that align with both our environmental goals and the preservation of our regional identity."

Ms Jones says she remains committed to representing and protecting the interests of her constituents and will continue to work to ensure that any development respects the natural environment and community wellbeing of Mid Wales.

A major event held recently was a public meeting in Llandrindod Wells at the end of April, when more than 200 people packed into The Pavilion.

The meeting was organised and hosted by Llandrindod Wells Town Council, and chaired by Cllr David Markinson, with the Mayor of Builth Wells Cllr Mark Hammond also on the panel along with former Mayor Cllr Steve Deeks-D’Silva. Other speakers were palaeontologist Dr Joe Botting, and RE-think’s Campaign Lead Jenny Chryss.

During the meeting, many speakers expressed their anger and concern about the effects that the proposals would have on the area and its inhabitants.

The letters from Ms Jones come as Bute Energy announces the launch of its statutory six-week consultation for Nant Mithil Energy Park, near Llandrindod Wells in Radnor Forest.

The wind farm would include 31 turbines.

Dafydd Williams, Senior Project Manager at Bute Energy said: “Our proposals have evolved following feedback from the last consultation and the results of extensive environmental studies. We’ve updated our designs by reducing the number of  turbines from 36 to 31, reducing the site area and reducing the maximum height of 28 turbines.

“Other changes include, moving turbines from the western edge of the site and no longer considering crossing across the River Wye to access the site. We’re pleased to now be able to present these changes prior to submitting a planning application to Planning Environment Decisions Wales later this year.”

The upcoming consultation events for this are as follows:

•Tuesday, May 21 2024, 2pm to 7pm

Dolau Community Hall, Dolau, Llandrindod Wells LD1 5TW

• Friday, June 7 2024, 2pm to 7pm

Penybont District Community, Centre, A44, Penybont, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5UA

• Saturday, June 8 2024, 10am – 3pm

New Radnor Community Centre, Hall Lane, New Radnor, Presteigne, LD8 2SW

Bute Energy says this statutory consultation will give the communities close to the project the chance to examine the plans and provide comments/responses for the project team to consider before finalising the Development of National Significance (DNS) application.

All application documents as well as an online feedback form will be available at the project website: nantmithilenergypark.wales

The deadline for comments is Monday, June 24 2024.

Green GEN Cymru plans to build a 132kV electricity connection between Bute Energy’s proposed Nant Mithil Energy Park in Radnor Forest and a new substation near Llandyfaelog, in Carmarthenshire. 

The plans would see 60 miles of power lines erected across Mid Wales.