Offshore Wind Farm

Combined with the existing Gwynt y Mor turbines, the wind farm would be
among the largest in the world

A consultation into plans to build one of the world's biggest offshore wind farms off the north Wales coast has been launched.  About 100 turbines could be constructed as part of plans for Awel y Môr, between Colwyn Bay and Llanfairfechan.

RWE Renewables said it would be 10.5km (6.5 miles) off the coast, to the west of the existing Gwynt y Môr turbines.  They would cover an area of 88 sq km (34 sq miles) and the turbines could be as tall as 332m (1,089ft).  The energy firm said the new farm would be able to power 900,000 homes.

The same developers are behind Gwynt y Môr, which has 160 turbines, off Llandudno, in Conwy, and is one of the UK's largest offshore wind farms.  According to RWE, the maximum number of turbines planned for Awel y Môr has dropped from 107 to 91.

Taken together there could be a total of 251 turbines across
both Gwynt Y Môr and Awel Y Mor

Taken together there could be a total of 251 turbines across both Gwynt y Môr and Awel y Môr, making it one of the biggest wind farms in the world.  If approved the scheme could be operational by 2030.  The firm expects to submit its application to the UK government in 2022.

A preliminary report outlining maps, plans and details of potential negative impacts - on sea life, birds, fishing, and ocean currents - has been published.Noise onshore is also being considered, along with the farm's possible effects on tourism and conservation.  READ MORE