Who are the project partners?
Awel y Môr Wind Farm is owned by RWE Renewables (60%), Stadtwerke München (30%) and Siemens’ financing arm, Siemens Financial Services (10%). RWE is leading the development of the project on behalf of the project partners.
Who is RWE Renewables?
RWE Renewables, the newest subsidiary of the RWE Group, is the world’s second largest renewable energy company. With around 3,500 employees, the company has onshore and offshore wind farms, photovoltaic plants and battery storage facilities with a combined capacity of approximately 9 gigawatts. RWE Renewables is driving the expansion of renewable energy in 15 countries on four continents. RWE has a wealth of experience in building and operating offshore wind farms and currently has 17 operational wind farms, as well as six in development and two under construction.
In Wales, RWE Renewables operates three offshore wind farms and three onshore wind farms including North Hoyle which we built and is the UK’s first large-scale offshore wind farm. RWE Renewables is Wales’ largest renewable energy generator, generating over a third of Wales’ renewable energy.
What stage is the project at?
The project is in the development phase. We are expecting to submit the applications for the necessary development consents (a Development Consent Order and a Marine Licence) in early 2022.
When will the wind farm be constructed?
Subject to achieving a number of consenting milestones, we would expect to build the wind farm and start generating renewable energy before 2030.
Will I get to comment on the project?
You are welcome to provide comments on the project by filling out a consultation questionnaire available on our website (www.awelymor.cymru), through our virtual exhibition room (https://exhibition.awelymor.cymru/), or by contacting us through the contact details provided directly below:
We are about to enter into our second, final round of public consultation, during which you can submit feedback on our project plans (31 August – 11 October 2021).
Though we cannot guarantee it, we will endeavour to consider representations made at any time prior to submitting the applications for planning permissions in early 2022.
Stakeholders will also be able to register as interested parties and participate in the formal examination of the Development Consent Order application. This will be advertised at the appropriate time.
Where can I find out more information?
All publicly available information can be viewed on the project website, www.awelymor.cymru. If you can’t find what you’re looking for please email us at awelymor@rwe.com.
Where exactly will the wind farm be located?
Awel y Môr will be located 10.6km (at the closest point) off the coast of North Wales, to the west of the existing Gwynt y Môr Wind Farm.
How many turbines?
We are constantly exploring technological advances in offshore wind turbines. Currently we are looking at all the options, up to a maximum of 91 turbines. This will depend on the size of the turbines, for example, the number of turbines would be fewer if larger turbines are used.
How tall will they be?
We are exploring options of turbines up to 332m. This means that when a rotor blade is pointing upward, the tip of the blade is approximately 332 metres above sea level. The planning system allows us to seek consent for a range of options within this ‘maximum design scenario’. This means we can source and install the best turbines on the market (within that scenario) at the time of construction, should the consents be granted.
How much electricity will the wind farm produce?
We are exploring all options for the wind farm. Depending on the final designs, Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm could have an installed capacity of up to a maximum of 1,100MW and generate enough clean energy to meet the equivalent needs of approximately 900,000 average UK homes. This is subject to ongoing studies and designs to optimise the site.
The final figure will be dependent upon the size and number of turbines that we install. We are continuing to undertake technical and environmental studies and consultation activities to bring forward a project which is sustainably designed with particular reference to the sensitivity of the receiving environment and aligned with government policy, renewable energy targets and eventual cost to the consumer.
Which port will be used during construction?
RWE is investigating the availability of suitable ports both for construction and for operations during the life of the wind farm. At this early stage of the project, these decisions have not been made but we are continuing to investigate suitable options.
Where will the cables come ashore?
The cables will come ashore east of Rhyl at Ffrith Beach, adjacent to Rhyl Golf Club. They will be buried beneath the beach and the sea defence wall. The detailed design of the landfall is still being finalised through consultation and technical and environmental assessment.
What needs to be constructed onshore?
The wind farm needs to connect into the National Grid at St Asaph (Bodelwyddan). New substation infrastructure will be required close to this connection point. The onshore works will also comprise the installation of buried cables between the landfall and the connection point. National Grid will also upgrade their infrastructure in the area to accommodate the new connection.
Will local businesses be given the opportunity to supply the project?
The project could offer significant economic opportunities for businesses with potential supply chain benefits and associated jobs and contracts, as well as training opportunities.
Will there be any funding available for community projects?
RWE has a long history of supporting the communities in which it operates. As the Awel y Môr project progresses, we will work with communities to develop our approach to supporting the local area. At this stage, the details of any community benefits package associated with Awel y Môr have not been finalised. We plan to hold a public consultation on this matter in early 2022 through which we will invite local people and groups to help shape how the project can best support the community.