One of Wales’ biggest potential investments in renewable energy this decade has reached a major milestone. Awel y Môr Offshore wind farm is planned for construction off the coast of North Wales, to the west of Gwynt-y-Môr.

If constructed, the RWE wind farm will consist of a maximum of 50 turbines up to 332m high to the tip of the rotor, and be capable of generating power equivalent to the consumption of half a million homes. In comparison Gwynt-y-Môr has 160 turbines which are around 138m high.

The examination of the application for a development consent order has now been completed. The UK Planning Inspectorate will now prepare its report, with the process requiring a decision from the Secretary of State for Energy Security Grant Shapps within a six month timeframe.

READ MORE: Developer has snapped up North Wales shopping centre that's hit tough times

Tamsyn Rowe, project lead, said: “After putting such effort into the examination, reaching this point in development is a real achievement for the team. We will now await the decision on the development consent order from the UK Secretary of State.

“As a project of such significant scale, Awel y Môr has the potential to make a major contribution to Welsh Government’s target of generating renewable electricity equivalent to 70 per cent of Wales’ consumption by 2030.

“Awel y Môr also has the potential to provide a real economic boost to the region, both during its construction but also in operation, as shown by previous wind farms, which already support hundreds of jobs.”

They said that if approved, the project team plans to 'hit the ground running' with work already underway to help develop supply chain capability across North Wales. A new supplier engagement platform has been developed and supplier events will be held in the coming months.

RWE is developing Awel y Môr with project partners Stadtwerke München (30%) and Siemens Financial Services (10%). Elsewhere in North Wales, RWE is developing onshore wind farms at Gaerwen and Alwen. The company also has ambitions for floating wind in the Celtic Sea.

Read Next

Find family activities near you