In our nation, people and nature will work together for a brighter, cleaner future.
Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru (Trydan), is Wales’ renewable energy developer wholly owned by the Welsh Government. We are investigating the potential for new wind farms with battery energy storage within a number of Welsh Government Woodland Estate blocks, including Cloceanog Forest. Located approximately 8km south-west of Ruthin, the site lies within Denbighshire and Conwy County Borough counties.
Trydan is on a mission to unlock the renewable energy potential of Wales. By looking to develop renewable energy on Welsh Government owned land, such as its woodland estate like Clocaenog Forest, Trydan aims to maximise the value of this land and our natural resources for the people of Wales.
Feasibility work indicates the proposed Clocaenog Dau Wind Farm could accommodate up to 22 modern, highly efficient wind turbines. The project would make an important contribution to tackling climate change by delivering up to 132 MW of clean electricity. This equates to the equivalent annual electricity needs of up to 117,500 average Welsh households / homes.[1]
Although still a working forest, the 6,000-hectare woodland provides recreation through its popular walking and cycle paths. It is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including red squirrels and a rare upland population of dormice.
[1]Annual average electricity consumption = 132 MW (installed capacity) x 0.3082 (all wind load factor) x 8760 hours / 3.032 MWh. Source: RenewableUK. UK Wind Energy Database https://www.renewableuk.com/energypulse/ukwed/ Mean domestic electricity consumption by country/region. Source: DESNZ Subnational Electricity and Gas Consumption Statistics Regional and Local Authority, Great Britain, 2022 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65b12dfff2718c000dfb1c9b/subnational-electricity-and-gas-consumption-summary-report-2022.pdf
Meet the project manager
“This is a very good site for a wind farm, as highlighted by the already in operation Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm.
"I am looking forward to getting out and about to meet people locally to share ideas on how we can make this the best possible project for both Denbighshire and Conwy, for North Wales, and indeed, Wales as a whole.”
Adam Dempsey, project manager for Clocaenog Dau Wind Farm
Why this site
Many parts of Wales provide excellent sites for onshore wind. Located on the edge of the Atlantic, the wind often blows hard here, especially on upland hills and plateaus.
Trydan sites are either remote or do not encroach upon populated residential areas. In the case of our Clocaenog Dau proposals, the commercial forestry operation, already makes good use of the land owned by Welsh Government. Working with Natural Resources Wales we can manage the space even better, by putting much needed renewable energy infrastructure here.
Indicative timeline
Getting to know the site and its physical characteristics, (e.g. how strongly and consistently does the wind blow across the area we are interested in?) and collect specific data on habitats (e.g. soils) and species.
Did you know we will undertake significant ornithological and ecological surveys to fully understand the site? Considering access routes for transporting wind turbine blades to site. Talking to people who can help us understand the local context.
Sharing early-stage information about the project and initial discussions about the project with local people.
Begin to engage with local communities by attending meetings and events.
We will hold an informal public consultation, including holding local events, and listening to what people tell us.
There is still some way to go before our design is complete, and local feedback is important to help us to refine the evolving design.
We will submit a Scoping Report to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW), which describes the project and ask for PEDW’s feedback on our early-stage plans.
We will apply to Denbighshire County Council and Conwy County Borough Council for planning permission to erect a meteorological mast onsite to measure the wind resource.
We will continue to speak to people and listen.
All the feedback we receive will inform the plans that are submitted for planning consent.
Alongside the planning application, we will submit a consultation report, describing the dialogue we have undertaken to hear community and stakeholder views, and how we have incorporated them into our design.
An independent Planning Inspector will be appointed to examine the planning application, including all representations.
The Inspector decides whether a hearing, inquiry, or additional written representations are needed. If so, the Inspector might invite interested parties to participate.
Following a recommendation from the Inspector.
If the planning application is approved, any conditions imposed upon the planning permission would be discharged in conjunction with Denbighshire County Council and Conwy County Borough Council. Pre-construction works to prepare the site would commence.
18-24 months estimated duration.
A Construction Transport Management Plan is agreed with the local authority and sets out restrictions on transport routes and hours of work.
35 years of clean, renewable energy generation & realising benefits for Wales.