REP

Facts

Where?

Located at the top of the Rhondda valleys in south Wales on a plateau

What?

8 wind turbines with a tower of 80m and a blade of 45m, proposed to be altered to 95m and 50m. Plus stone tracks, a single storey substation and a wind mast. The windfarm will be connected to the local electricity network via an underground and overhead wooden pole line to Maerdy substation.

Why?

The purpose of windfarms is to address the critical problems of climate change and energy security. The Maerdy site is going ahead because it is environmentally a low impact site (not a single objection was raised to the scheme from statutory consultees); it is in the middle of central and local government preferred areas for windfarms and because the public consultation work has been supportive.

Who?

The windfarm has been developed for the past 8 years by Renewable Energy Partnerships (REP). REP is a UK developer focussing on medium and small scale windfarms. REP is part of the Camco Group, a publicaly owned UK sustinable energy company with 300 staff throughout the globe.

When?

The project began in 2003 with a search throughout South Wales to identify the most appropriate windfarm sites.

In 2005 a major public consultation was held to direct the design.

In 2006 the planning application was made for the windfarm.

In 2007 the local authority identifid the site as a prefered site for windfarm proposals.

In 2009 planning consent was granted by Rhondda Cynon Taff Council.

Currently in 2011, application has been made to amend the scheme slightly to improve energy yields.

Construction is expected to start toward the end of 2011 with generation of electricity beginning in 2012.

The windfarm would be decommissioned after no more than 25 years. If government policy is to require wind power in 25 years a succesor scheme could be considered then.