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Since the project gained planning permission in April 2005 we have been working with the Arts Factory to establish the possibilities for funding and jointly developing the scheme.

Download the non-technical summary of the project (PDF, 1.5MB)

Why Ferndale?

The Welsh Assembly has set itself a large target to produce 4TWh of renewable energy by 2010 through the Tan 8 process. It is envisaged that a large amount of that target   will come   from wind energy and progressing sites like Ferndale   to help meet this ambitious goal.

The landscape along the Mynydd Ty’n Tyle area lends itself to high wind speeds due to its exposed nature, making it an attractive location for wind farm development. There are good access links with the A4058 and A4233 either side of the site, a suitable grid connection point close by and there are no nationally designated landscapes within or close to the site.

The Ferndale project would:

• generate   renewable electricity to power up to 6,300 homes annually  
• save up to 23,500 tonnes of CO₂

The Ferndale project is being developed as a Joint Venture between E.ON UK and the Arts Factory. It is planned that the Arts Factory will have a share of the project, which will provide revenue that can be used to provide local services and local benefits to those living around the wind farm. Presently the Arts Factory is seeking European funding to help provide the funds available to invest in the project.

The Arts Factory itself is a local organisation that helps train local people in areas such as computing, woodwork and graphic design. It also helps local businesses develop and runs a local youth centre and evening classes. By having a stake in this development, it will assist the Arts Factory activities over the coming years, allowing benefits to flow back into the local community.

Community Engagement

Over 30 Public Exhibitions were held during the development process in September and October 2002 to gauge local attitudes towards the proposal. This work was complemented with school visits during the planning process, which helped to inform locals about the proposed development and the benefits it could bring.