**Welsh Government Reveals Three New Wind Farm Sites to Power Hundreds of Thousands of Homes**
In a major boost for Wales’ renewable energy ambitions, the Welsh Government has unveiled the locations of three expansive new wind farms intended to supply clean electricity to approximately 350,000 homes. The announcement, part of the Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru initiative, marks a decisive step in the country’s strategy to shift towards greener power sources and significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The three wind farms will be situated at Clocaenog Dau in Denbighshire and Conwy, Glyn Cothi in Carmarthenshire, and Carreg Wen in Rhondda Cynon Taf. If built as outlined, the developments are expected to create around 650 jobs during peak construction periods and provide long-term employment opportunities locally. The entire project portfolio will see the erection of 67 wind turbines, each soaring to approximately 200 metres, reinforcing Wales’ commitment to transformative renewable infrastructure.
Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru, the Welsh Government-owned entity leading the project, has set an ambitious goal: to install 1GW of fresh renewable energy generation on publicly-owned land before 2040. The wind farms represent a cornerstone of this wider plan to meet 70% of electricity consumption in Wales through renewables by 2030, and to push towards a remarkable 100% by the middle of the next decade.
Breaking down the sites, the Clocaenog Dau installation proposes the addition of up to 22 turbines. Should the plan move forward, this wind farm alone could generate enough power annually to serve 117,500 homes. The Glyn Cothi site in Carmarthenshire is set to be the largest, with up to 27 turbines anticipated to meet the needs of 144,000 homes, and also provide the most construction roles with 250 jobs forecast, plus ongoing employment for dozens thereafter.
Meanwhile, Carreg Wen in Rhondda Cynon Taf is expected to see the development of 18 turbines, generating sufficient electricity for around 96,000 homes. As with other sites, there will not only be immediate employment opportunities during the building phase but also a legacy of direct and indirect roles spanning the lifespan of the wind farms—estimated at 35 years.
A key challenge for such large-scale renewable developments is securing connections to the National Grid. Government sources indicate that grid access is already confirmed for the Carmarthenshire and Rhondda Cynon Taf projects, with an application for grid connection at Clocaenog due to follow later in the year. This logistical consideration is crucial for ensuring that the green energy generated can be distributed effectively to homes and businesses across Wales.
Consultation remains integral to the process. A series of public engagement events are planned in the coming years, with feedback intended to shape the final planning applications, which are scheduled to be submitted by the middle of 2027. If the necessary permissions are secured, the Welsh Government anticipates that construction could commence early in the next decade, with the first turbines potentially contributing power by 2035.
Financially, the entire scheme is projected to require an outlay of approximately £500 million, underlining both the scale of the investment and the government’s confidence in the economic and environmental returns. Officials have described these sites as only the initial phase, hinting that further announcements regarding new locations for renewable projects are expected in due course.
The drive towards a carbon-neutral energy grid is seen as vital not only for combatting climate change but also for delivering security of supply and new opportunities for Welsh workers and communities. As policymakers around the UK and beyond eye similar targets, Wales’ commitment to renewable energy places it at the forefront of the transition, although effective execution and continued public support will be essential for these ambitions to materialise.
With construction still several years away, and a lengthy planning process to come, the road ahead will require collaboration across government, industry, and communities. However, the unveiling of these three wind farm locations signals a clear and substantial intent from Wales to lead by example in the clean energy revolution.