Green hydrogen plant approved for Milford Haven Freeport site

Countryside charity welcomes decision but warns over cumulative impact of dozens of schemes across Wales

THE WELSH countryside charity CPRW has welcomed the decision by energy developer Bute Energy to withdraw its planning application for the proposed Nant Ceiment Energy Park in Carmarthenshire. The scheme would have seen up to thirteen large wind turbines constructed in the Teifi Valley landscape. Bute Energy confirmed the withdrawal following what it described as a detailed review of environmental, land and commercial factors, concluding that the project was not viable in its current form.

Local residents and campaigners had raised concerns about the potential impact of the turbines and the wider cumulative effect of multiple large wind developments being proposed across rural Wales. CPRW chairman Jonty Colchester said the decision demonstrated the importance of scrutiny and public engagement during the planning process.

He said: "We welcome the withdrawal of the Nant Ceiment proposal. It shows that careful scrutiny and community engagement matter.

"Wales does need renewable energy, but it must be delivered through a strategic and coordinated approach that fully respects our landscapes, biodiversity and rural communities." The charity says it is currently monitoring more than seventy wind energy proposals progressing through the planning system across Wales. These include major schemes such as Lan Fawr, Banc y Celyn, Gaerwen, Nant Mithil, Mynydd Maen and projects being promoted by the publicly owned developer Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru.

CPRW warned that several developments in south Wales highlight growing concerns about cumulative impact.

Planning decisions are still pending for schemes including Mynydd Maen, proposed by RES, and Trecelyn, promoted by Pennant Walters. Both developments are linked to the recently approved 92-acre Cil-lonydd solar farm. Further proposals include four turbines at Rhyswg, while hearings are due to consider the Mynydd Llanhilleth scheme, which would involve seven turbines standing up to 180 metres high.

Campaigners say that when these projects are considered together, they raise concerns about the gradual expansion of large-scale energy infrastructure and the potential industrialisation of wide areas of upland Wales.

While supporting the transition to renewable energy, CPRW says it wants to see a more strategic approach to development that balances the need for green power with protection for landscapes, biodiversity and tourism. The organisation is calling for a national renewables strategy that takes cumulative impacts into account, with greater emphasis placed on offshore wind projects. It is also urging improved transparency and stronger community involvement earlier in the planning process, alongside robust environmental standards to prevent unsuitable developments going ahead.

Further information on onshore wind proposals across Wales is available on the CPRW website.