WELCOME
to the project website for the proposed Foel Fach Wind Farm
How Foel Fach Wind Farm could look from Cae’r Garreg
Planning application submitted Pre-application consultation held for the proposed Foel Fach Wind Farm
We have now submitted the planning application for Foel Fach Wind Farm to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW). This follows over two years of survey work, site assessments, and public consultation.
If approved, this 72 MW,10 turbine project could generate enough clean electricity to power over 68,700 average households every year*.
What happens next?
PEDW will now review and validate the application. After the application is validated, the full planning application will be available to view on PEDW’s website here, or by searching ‘DNS CAS-03527-H7Y5R9 – Foel Fach Wind Farm’ at https://planningcasework.service.gov.wales/.
In the meantime, the draft planning application which was published at the pre-application consultation stage, remains available to read here.
After validation, PEDW will undertake its own five-week consultation where statutory consultees and interested parties can submit representations.
The application will be considered by one of PEDW’s independent planning inspectors, with the final decision made by the Welsh Ministers based on the Planning Inspector’s recommendation.
About Foel Fach Wind Farm
The 10-turbine wind farm could provide up to 72 MW of renewable electricity, enough to power over 68,700 homes.1
The project proposals include:
- Ten wind turbines (six with a tip height of up to 220m, and four with a tip height of up to 200m);
- A battery energy storage system;
- A project substation compound;
- Permanent wind monitoring equipment (LiDAR); and
- Associated ancillary infrastructure.
Design evolution
The design of the proposed wind farm has evolved during the course of the project in response to consultation feedback and technical surveys. Between our informal consultation in 2024 and pre-application consultation in early 2026, we made several changes to our project:
- The number of turbines was reduced from 11 to 10.
- One turbine was moved to reduce the potential visual impact from Bala.
- Four turbines were reduced in height from 220m to 200m to minimise potential visual impact from Eryri National Park.
*72 MW x 0.36 CF x 8,760 Hours in a year/3.301 MWh. [1] Calculated using DESNZ’s load factor for onshore wind https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/ukwed/ Accessed 28/10/25
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.
Timeline
Spring/Summer 2024
Project inception, early investigative surveys and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) scoping. Speaking to key stakeholders.
September/October 2024
Community consultation on early-stage draft plans 16 September-14 October 2024. Public exhibition events and review of feedback.
Late 2024-2025
Further surveys and assessments, reviewing feedback and refining our draft plans
Winter 2025 – 2026
Statutory, pre-application consultation on the draft Environmental Statement, community consultation events. Review feedback and finalise our planning application.
September 2026
Submission of planning application to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales.
Late 2027
Decision expected from Welsh Ministers.
2035 (indicative date)
Construction begins.
2037 (indicative date)
Operational, generating clean, green electricity.
.
.
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.