WELCOME
to the project website for the proposed Foel Fach Wind Farm
ESB’s Mynydd Y Betws Wind Farm
About Foel Fach Wind Farm
Coriolis Energy and ESB are proposing a new onshore wind farm located in north Wales that has the potential to deliver enough renewable energy to power over 55,000 homes[1], more than all of the households within Gwynedd[2].
The site for the proposed Foel Fach Wind Farm is located approximately 3.5km north of Bala. The proposal includes up to 11 turbines, which could deliver up to 79.2 MW of renewable energy generation.
[1] 11 x 7.2MW x 8760 hrs/yr x 26.34% capacity factor = 182,744.813 MWh/yr divided by average annual GB domestic household consumption 3,239kWh/year = 56,420 homes (DESNZ statistics/DUKES)
[2] Reference: Gwynedd = 51,105 households (Statswales.gov.wales: Households with at least one usual resident by local authority- Census 2021)
Informal public consultation
Between 16 September and 14 October 2024, we ran an informal consultation where we shared our early-stage plans for Foel Fach Wind Farm with the local community. We held two public exhibition events, in Cwmtirmynach and Bala, where residents were invited to learn about our plans, meet the team, ask questions and provide feedback. We’d like to thank everyone who took the time to attend the events, view the consultation material online and provide feedback. We are currently reviewing all feedback received.
The consultation materials shared at this stage are available to view on our Project documents page. Please visit our Proposals page to view Frequently Asked Questions.
Although the informal consultation has ended, we welcome your feedback and enquiries at any time. Please contact the team using the details on the Get in touch page.
As Foel Fach Wind Farm would deliver over 10 MW of clean, renewable energy, it is defined as a Development of National Significance (DNS) under the Planning (Wales) Act 2015. The planning application will be made to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), which will examine the application and make a recommendation to Welsh Ministers, who then take the final decision.
Tackling climate change is one of the Welsh Government’s top priorities and increasing the supply of renewable energy is key to reducing carbon emissions. If it is consented, Foel Fach Wind Farm would contribute to the Welsh Government’s target to reach net zero by 2050 and to meet the equivalent of 100% of its annual electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2035.
We are at the early stages of developing our plans for Foel Fach Wind Farm. This website will be updated regularly and we will keep you informed about the proposal and the upcoming public consultation, where we look forward to hearing the views of local residents, community groups, political representatives and specialist consultees.
Timeline
Spring/Summer
2024
Project inception, early investigative surveys and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping. Speaking to key stakeholders.
Early Autumn
2024
Community consultation on early-stage draft plans 16 September-14 October 2024. Public exhibition events and review of feedback.
Winter
2024
Further surveys and assessments, reviewing feedback and refining our draft plans
Spring/Summer
2025
Statutory, pre-application consultation on the draft Environmental Statement, community consultation events and review of feedback
Winter
2025
Submission of planning application to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales
2026
Decision expected from Welsh Ministers
About us
This project is being developed by Coriolis Energy and ESB in partnership.
Coriolis Energy is an experienced, professional wind energy developer, which has delivered projects around the UK that are currently bringing benefits to both communities and the environment.
ESB is Ireland’s premier energy company and is a leading independent power generator in the UK, committed to investing in Wales’s natural resources.