Parc Cynog wind farm – a decade of wind power production

Work started on the idea of developing a wind farm at Parc Cynog Farm in South West Wales in 1994 - three years after the UK’s first wind farm was built in Cornwall.

In 2001, a 5 turbine wind farm started operating at the site. An extension was completed in 2009, with 6 further turbines constructed at the site.

Today, Parc Cynog Wind Farm is an 11 turbine project, which is expected to produce enough electricity for the equivalent of 4700 homes annually.

What does the project offer to the area?

As well as producing clean electricity, Parc Cynog Wind Farm makes a real contribution to the environment, society and economy of the area.

Contributing to the local economy

We always look to maximise the many opportunities that exist for the local economy through wind farm development, construction and operation.

• during construction - the civil engineering works on site was completed by a company from the South Wales region. Many elements were also subcontracted to Carmarthenshire firms – from fencing work to materials supply and track construction.
• today - many local companies from across the region are working on the operation of Parc Cynog. This includes the operation of the turbines, ecology and survey work, environmental services and other works required to effectively manage a wind farm.

Contributing to the local community

Working with the local community, a community benefit fund has been developed for the project. It was officially launched in June 2011, when more than 200 local residents celebrated its launch at an Open Day on the wind farm site. The fund will provide around £250,000 to the community over the 25 year life of the project to:
“support projects and activities that provide social, economic and environmental benefits and inspire community welfare and cohesion”.

Local schools got involved with developing the fund through an education project, where they visited the wind farm, learnt about the history of wind power, and competed to design a logo for the community fund. The winner received a prize of £500 for their school.

 Winning Logo

An education pack is available free of charge to any schools or students who wish to visit the wind farm. Over the last ten years, hundreds of school children have visited the wind farm to learn about renewable energy and experience a wind farm first hand. If you would like to visit Parc Cynog, please contact us.

Contributing to the local environment

As well as generating lower carbon electricity, Parc Cynog makes other contributions to the local environment. In cooperation with the Castle Lloyd Farm landowners, Vattenfall has provided a new woodland walk in the area, offering a new amenity to the local community.

The path takes walkers through an unspoilt wooded valley. This habitat, which was previously hidden, is now open for residents and visitors to enjoy.