Below are frequently asked questions. These will be added to as additional queries are raised and the project progresses during the development process.
Q: Where is the project?
A: The Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn site is located approximately 5km south of Builth Wells close to the settlements of Upper Chapel, Gwenddwr, Crickdadarn and Erwood in the administrative area of Powys County Council (PCC). The Sennybridge Tactical Training Area (TTA) is located to the west of the site.
Q: What is an Energy Park?
A: Energy Parks are an innovative way of maximising the potential renewable energy benefits of a proposed site, allowing the efficient use of available resources to produce ‘clean’ energy.
The Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn is proposed to comprise a combination of wind turbines, solar panels and battery storage. This mix of technologies will allow for the efficient production, storage and export of renewable energy.
Q: Why is the project needed?
A: There is a need to deliver more renewable energy schemes to meet the climate change challenges we face. The move away from fossil fuels will help us to not only tackle climate change but move towards energy security, helping tackle the cost-of-living crisis through the delivery of more affordable alternative energy sources.
Furthermore, Powys County Council declared a climate emergency on the 24th September 2020, which included the ambition to reduce its carbon emissions to net zero, in line with the Welsh public sector target of 2030, which the Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn will contribute towards as well as the Wales’s ambition for 100% renewable energy by 2035.
Q: When would Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn be operational if successful?
A: We are working with National Grid to confirm the grid connection date, as such we cannot confirm an operational date but we will update this website when this information is available.
Q: Where can I view further information on the Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn?
A: Wind2 is at the early stages of developing a planning application for its Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn proposal. The request for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Opinion from the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) https://www.gov.wales/developments-national-significance-dns-applications is the first stage in understanding what assessments will be required as part of the Environmental Impact Assessment. The Scoping document will be submitted to PEDW for Scoping Direction in February 2025.
More information will be provided to local communities throughout the informal and statutory public consultation stages which are due to commence Winter/Spring 2025. This website will be regularly updated with all the latest information as the project progresses. Public consultation information can be found here when available.
Q: Why has the Banc y Celyn site been selected for the energy park?
A: At Wind2, we undertake an extensive multi-stage feasibility process when assessing a site’s suitability for renewable energy production. This involves looking at the various potential environmental and technical effects, such as noise, ecology, landscape impact, residential amenity, grid, wind speed, solar position and strength and many more.
Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn has undergone this process and has been selected as a promising site for the production of renewable energy by our highly experienced team and independent consultants due to the wind speed and solar electricity generation potential.
The Proposed Development is not located within one of the Pre-Assessed Areas (PAAs), but the National Plan notes that “Outside of these areas a positive policy framework still exists, subject to policy 18”. as defined in the National Development Framework (NDF) – Future Wales: The National Plan 2040[1].
Q: Will the energy generated from the Energy Park be distributed locally?
A: The energy generated on site will be fed directly into the grid, where it will be distributed across the network. Whilst Wind2 would like to see the electricity produced at Banc y Celyn distributed locally, this is managed by the Transmission Network Operator and so this unfortunately cannot be guaranteed at this time.
However, the addition of renewable energy projects across Wales will contribute to lowering energy bills over time as onshore wind and solar are more cost effective at generating electricity than new thermal generation.
Q: How will the energy park benefit the local communities?
A: Wind2 and Octopus Energy are committed to ensuring that the local communities benefit from the energy park and will be providing a dedicated community benefit fund as well as opportunities for community shared ownership.
As part of our upcoming round of public consultations, we will be seeking the views of local communities and individuals on how the fund should be managed, distributed and used. In addition, we wish to understand the level of interest in the opportunity for community shared ownership. More information on both elements will be provided for discussion through our public consultations.
The Energy Park will also benefit the community through local job creation and the contribution of additional direct revenue to the local economy through the local supply chain.
Q: What is a grid connection agreement and has one been secured?
A: A grid connection agreement is the contractual arrangement between Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn and the power network to connect the energy park to the local grid. These agreements stipulate the amount of power that the grid has the capacity to take from the energy park and when the power can be connected.
Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn has submitted a grid connection application with a capacity of up to 195MW to National Grid.
Wind2 will continue to work with the Transmission Network Owners to ascertain what cabling will be required to facilitate the Energy Park.
Q: Will the grid be able to take the additional electricity produced by the proposed Banc y Celyn?
A: Yes, when the grid connection offer is received it will be based on the capacity available to the National Grid.
Q: How much noise will the energy park create?
A: Wind2 will endeavour to minimise and mitigate noise wherever possible through design and procurement of latest technologies for the Energy Park.
The specific noise impact of an energy park will depend on the technology mix, the site's location, and the efforts made by developers to minimise noise pollution. Wind2 will be working with independent consultants, Hayes McKenzie, to evaluate minimise and mitigate any potential noise disturbances. Our operations will adhere to strict legal noise limits required by the ETSU-R-97 guidelines , and should the project be consented, we will regularly monitor noise levels to ensure compliance.
Q: This will have a visual impact – what measures will be taken to seek to mitigate this / to offset this harm?
A: A Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) will be carried out by independent consultants and levels of impacts will be assessed from a number of key viewpoints to be agreed in consultation with Powys Council and potentially the local community. Wind2 will also consult with National Resources Wales (NRW) to ensure the proposals are appropriately designed.
Q: How long will the construction period take and how will it be managed?
A: At this stage we estimate that the construction of the project could take up to two years. A draft Construction Environmental Management Plan (CEMP) will be produced as part of the planning application which will outline how this process will be managed. This will be agreed with the relevant authorities ahead of any construction starting on site, should planning permission be granted.
Q: What are the Proposals for Access to the site and how many traffic movements are predicted as part of the construction process?
A: A detailed appraisal of the traffic and transport impacts of the projects will be prepared by independent transport consultants and the information will be included in the Transport Chapter that will form part of the Environmental Statement (ES).
Turbine components will be transported by sea to a Port of Entry (POE) at Swansea. Turbine components will be transported from the POE to Site on abnormal load vehicles, via an agreed access route. The proposed access route to site for the Abnormal Indivisible Roads (AILs) is likely to be as follows:
- Loads would depart the port and access the A483 Fabian Way (Eastbound) using a contraflow manoeuvre.
- Loads would proceed eastbound and would join the M4 at Junction 42. They would then continue to Junction 43, where they would depart the motorway and would then join the A465 through to Merthyr Tydfil.
- Loads would then turn left onto the A470 and would travel north to Brecon. Loads would bypass Brecon and Bronllys using the A40, A470 and A438, before turning onto the A479.
- Loads would continue northbound on the A479 and A470.
Where potential adverse traffic and transport effects are identified, mitigation will be proposed to reduce the effect of the Proposed Development. This will include mitigation developed to permit the safe transport of the wind turbine components from the PoE to the Site.
A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) will be developed which will include a framework for managing potential impacts.
Q: Will there be a full-time staff on site once constructed?
A: Although the Energy Park will operate as its own business with assigned personnel, it is unlikely that there will be full-time staff on site. However, locally based personnel will attend the site intermittently to check operations, site security, and perform ongoing maintenance.
Q: How will the site be secured? If there are cameras, how will these be used?
A: Whilst the proposals are still being developed, the exact details of the security that will be implemented across the site area are currently unknown. It is most likely that a number of security cameras will be used to secure the solar assets, facing directly towards these elements and would not be intended to capture images from outside of the site.
Q: Will I receive a discount on my electricity bill if I live close enough to the Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn?
A: Given the early stage of the project, the details for any community benefit package are still being developed. It is not unheard of for these packages to include some locally based benefits, such as discounted energy bills, but we not currently in a position to confirm details. More information will be provided once available.
However, we expect that in the long-term, renewable energy projects will have a cumulative effect over time of lowering energy bills as we move away from fossil fuels.
Q: If approved, how much will the developer receive in government funded subsidies
A: While subsidies have historically been available for renewable energy projects, these stopped in 2014. As such, there are currently no subsidies available for projects of this nature.
Q: What is CfD funding, and will it be granted for Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn?
A: CfD (Contract for Difference) funding is the UK government's main mechanism for supporting the development of low-carbon electricity generation.
Renewable energy projects can bid through an auction process to be granted CfD funding. More information can be found via the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/contracts-for-difference.
The project is still in the early stages of development, so it is not yet known whether it will be successful in securing CfD funding.
Q: What is the height of the proposed wind turbines and how is this decided?
A: The wind turbines would be up to 200m to tip height. There are number of considerations when deciding on the most appropriate height (of the hub height and to tip) of the turbines including landscape impacts, wildlife impacts (particularly birds), noise and available wind speeds.
Turbine heights above ground level are defined by the ‘hub’ height (the ‘hub’ is the central point of the turbine where the blades are connected), plus the blade length.
Where appropriate, increasing the hub height and rotor diameter of the turbines allows for access to better wind speeds, an increase in turbine efficiency (i.e., the turbine will produce more ‘clean’ energy over a larger rotor diameter) and has shown to lower the overall cost of wind energy production.
While it may seem counterintuitive, taller turbines are often more cost-effective in the long term. Their greater energy output means that fewer turbines are needed to meet the net zero targets. In addition, using fewer, taller turbines reduces the overall footprint of the project, which helps to mitigate any further impact on local landscapes, wildlife habitats, and ecosystems.
Q: Why are the Wind turbines so tall?
A: Taller turbines produce significantly more energy than smaller machines. Their greater energy output means that fewer turbines are needed to maximise the output.
Q: How many wind turbines are being proposed?
A: A total of up to 27 wind turbines are currently being proposed for Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn. However, the final layout will be determined by the technical and environmental constraints of the site and feedback from the Welsh Government, statutory consultees and local communities.
Q: Will the wind turbines have lights on them?
A: The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) require all turbines taller than 150m to be fitted with visible, red aviation lights to ensure the safety of aircraft. As a result, the Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn wind turbines will some require aviation lighting, although the extent of this lighting is currently yet to be determined.
A night-time lighting assessment will be carried out as part of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment to fully understand potential impacts arising from the lights on the turbines.
Wind2 will undertake a full consultation with the relevant authorities to agree the lighting strategy as part of the planning application.
Q: What is a wind turbine made of?
A: Wind turbines are made of a variety of materials; however, they are primarily made of steel, fibreglass composites, and specialised alloys.
Steel is typically used for tower construction, gearbox components, and main shafts due to its durability and resilience qualities. Metal alloys are utilised in generator components and various structural elements.
Fibreglass composites are primarily used for wind turbine blades to provide durability and flexibility.
These materials are chosen to ensure durability and efficiency in capturing wind energy while withstanding environmental conditions, and to reduce wider impacts on the environment as much as possible.
Q: Are wind turbine blades recyclable?
A: Approximately 96% of a wind turbine is made from materials which can be recycled.
Wind turbine blades are made from different materials; however, they are most commonly made with fibreglass to ensure strength and durability. Whilst these materials can pose recycling challenges, the industry is committed to working toward more sustainable solutions. For more information on the recyclability of wind turbine blades, visit: Can wind turbine blades be recycled? – National Grid 2023.
Q: Does the leading edge of wind turbines erode?
A: Yes, the leading edge of wind turbine blades can erode over time due to a combination of factors, including environmental conditions and aerodynamic forces exerted on the blades surface. Researchers believe that the erosion is negligible due to the measures undertaken in practice to reduce this as much as possible.
To mitigate leading edge erosion, wind turbine manufacturers and operators employ several strategies such as routine inspections and maintenance to assess the condition of the blades. The blades are also coated with protective materials, such as erosion resistant, non-toxic paint, that reduce the impact of environmental factors and extend the lifespan of the blades.
More information can be found here.
Q: How much waste will be washed into the soil from the wind turbines?
A: A negligible amount of material is known to erode from wind turbine blades, however as technology evolves this continues to be minimised and mitigated.
Routine inspections, maintenance, and preventative measures such as coating the blades with non-toxic, erosion resistant paint all contribute to the reduction in the loss of leading-edge materials.
Q: Will the proposed wind turbines cause issues for flying wildlife ?
A: A comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will be compiled (using independent experts) which will fully comply with current detailed guidance produced by Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and other relevant statutory consultees. These surveys will assess the presence and behaviour of these wildlife species, among others, including their nesting and foraging habits, migration patterns, and any potential interactions with our proposed wind turbines.
Q. What is an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)?
A: A brief description of the issues and process that an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) will address
The term EIA describes a procedure that must be followed for certain types of project before they can be given ‘planning consent’. The procedure is a means of drawing together, in a systematic way, an assessment of a project’s likely significant environmental effects. This helps to ensure that the importance of the predicted effects and the scope for avoiding, preventing, reducing or, if possible, offsetting them are properly understood by the public and the authority granting consent (the 'determining authority') before it makes its decision.
The primary objective of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to thoroughly evaluate any potential adverse impacts on the flora and fauna and the local environment and to develop strategies to mitigate and minimise these impacts. We are committed to working in collaboration with our independent environmental consultants, statutory consultees, such as Natural Resources Wales (NRW), local authorities, and research groups to ensure the protection of local wildlife and enhancements of habitats where possible.
Q: How efficient are wind turbines?
A: Wind turbine efficiency vary depending on several factors, including the design of the turbine, wind speed, and maintenance.
Q: Who will manufacturer the Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn wind turbines and where will the manufacture take place?
A: If granted planning permission, Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn will conduct a turbine procurement exercise with a variety of turbine manufacturers to ensure that the turbines meet the specific needs and goals of the project. Several factors are considered during this process, such as the site location, equipment availability, total power output, cost and environmental impact of the project.
Some of the turbine manufacturers typically approached during this process include (but are not limited to) Vestas, Enercon, Nordex and Siemens Gamesa.
The location of manufacture will be dependent on the outcome of the procurement exercise and the availability of the wind turbines in line with our project deadlines and grid submission date. Wind2 would work to maximise the locally sourced elements to optimise the benefits for the local and Welsh supply chain.
Q: How fast do wind turbines turn?
A: The speed at which wind turbines turn can vary depending on their design, size, and the wind conditions at their location.
A typical range for the rotational speed of the blades on a modern utility-scale wind turbine is between 10 to 20 revolutions per minute (RPM) under normal operating conditions.
Q: Do wind turbines completely off-set their carbon footprint?
A: Wind turbines are a low-carbon to carbon-neutral energy source when considering their full lifecycle, from manufacturing to operation, compared to fossil fuel-based power generation and have a carbon payback time of 2 years.
Q: Are the solar panels recyclable?
A: In most cases, up to 99% of a solar panel is recyclable. There are well established processes for this in the UK. For example, companies such as PV Cycle UK have dedicated infrastructure and work closely with producers to ensure compliance with legislation.
You can find out more about panel recycling and the materials used in Everything Under the Sun: The Facts about Solar.
Q: Do the solar panels produce any noise?
A: The panels themselves do not produce any noise. If panels are mounted to a tracking frame, then a small amount of noise is emitted by the tracking motors – the exact specification it yet to be decided for Parc Ynni Banc y Celyn project.
The electrical infrastructure associated with solar parks can produce noise. Inverters and transformers will be assessed against specific limits as part of the planning application. Again, the noise emitted by this infrastructure is not significant and is generally easy to mitigate by placing inverters away from noise sensitive receptors.
Q: Will the addition of the solar panels affect local flooding?
A: The installation of solar panels typically has a minimal impact on local flooding. Solar panels are designed to be mounted on structures and elevated above the ground, which allows water to flow freely underneath them. Additionally, solar panels themselves are not known to cause water accumulation or disruption to natural drainage patterns.
A detailed Hydrology or Flood Risk Assessment will be undertaken as part of the planning application. This often includes a desk study review of nearby watercourses and testing of site infiltration rates. If the scheme is deemed to adversely impact the local environment, then mitigation measures will be implemented. These sometimes include drainage channels or modification of the site layout.
Q: Are the solar panels cleaned using chemicals?
A: Manufacturers typically advise against using harmful chemicals or detergents to clean solar panels. De-ionized water is a common and environmentally friendly choice for cleaning solar panels as it helps prevent damage and minimises the introduction of chemicals into the environment. This approach aligns with best practices for solar panel maintenance and environmental sustainability.
Q: Do the solar panels produce any glint and glare?
A: Solar panels are primarily designed to absorb light for energy generation rather than reflecting it. However, during the planning application process, an assessment of potential glint and glare impacts will be conducted, taking into account nearby sensitive areas or receptors, including airports. This assessment ensures that any potential issues are thoroughly considered and mitigated to prevent disruptions or safety hazards.
Q: Where will the solar panels be manufactured?
A: Solar panels are manufactured in various countries around the world, including several European countries, China, the United States and India.
The choice of manufacturing location often depends on factors like cost-efficiency, access to materials, and market demand.
Panels containing Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) will not be used to construct the solar element of the project, thereby limiting impact on the local soils and watercourses. All cabling associated with the solar PV panels will be underground via trenches.
B: What happens if a solar panel gets broken? Does the whole row have to be replaced?
A: If a solar panel gets broken, it does not necessarily mean that the entire row needs to be replaced. Solar panels are typically connected in an array, so that they function independently. If one panel in a row is damaged or malfunctions, it can be replaced individually without affecting the performance of the other panels.
Q: Is the efficiency of the panels consistent over time or will these need to be replaced over the lifetime of the energy park?
A: The efficiency of solar panels typically degrades slowly over time, but they do not need to be replaced over the lifetime of an energy park. Solar panels are designed to have a long operational life, often ranging from 25 to 30 years.
In some cases, if the efficiency degradation becomes significant or if there are specific warranty conditions, individual panels may be replaced as needed to ensure optimal energy production.
To maintain the performance of the energy park, regular maintenance and monitoring will be conducted.
Q: Why is battery storage needed as part of this development if the energy is being fed directly into the grid?
A: Batteries on site will store clean energy to be fed into the grid during periods of peak demand. This helps to ensure a stable and consistent supply of energy, whilst also ensuring that no clean energy is wasted.
Q: How big are the battery storage units?
A: Whilst the exact specifications for the battery storage are still in the early stages of development, generally each battery is approximately 17m x 8m. Typically, for a 20MW battery storage proposal, there would be 8 batteries in two rows of four. Indicative plans for this will be provided as part of the planning application to the Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) and further information on the size and specification will be known at this point.
Q: Does battery storage pose a risk of fire or explosion?
A: As with any electrical device, there is a minimal fire risk associated with the installation and operation of the batteries. To manage and mitigate this minimal risk, Energy Park Asset Management includes regular health and safety assessments, including fire inspections (usually weekly, or bi-weekly). Proper installation, regular inspections, and adherence to Health and Safety guidelines will further help to mitigate this risk. The batteries would be continually monitored and inspected to ensure safety isn’t compromised and include a fire suppression system.
Q: Will the battery storage produce any noise?
A: There is generally low level ‘humming’ and buzzing from the electrical components and fans within the storage units, however the noise is considered to be negligible and only audible if in very close proximity.
[1] Welsh Government, (2021). Future Wales: The National Plan 2040. Available online at: https://www.gov.wales/future-wales-national-plan-2040