PRESS RELEASE: Swindon, 26 May 2022
Awel y Môr wind farm moves to next phase as proposals formally submitted to the UK Planning Inspectorate
- The plans have now been accepted for consideration and will move to the next phase of the planning process: pre-examination
- Awel y Môr is also pursuing a Marine License with Welsh Government.
Awel y Môr offshore wind farm, which could provide power for up to 500,000 homes, has passed a key milestone after proposals were submitted to, and accepted for consideration by the UK Planning Inspectorate.
The project, which is being developed by RWE Renewables on behalf of the project’s partners, now moves into the ‘pre-examination’ phase of the consenting process before a public examination, expected to begin in September 2022.
The project includes up to 50 turbines with a maximum tip height of 332m and is as a sister project to Gwynt y Môr. If approved, the Awel y Môr offshore wind farm could be built approximately 10.5km (6.5 miles) off the coast of north Wales, to the west of the existing Gwynt y Môr wind farm, with its grid connection planned to reach the shoreline between Rhyl and Prestatyn.
The final decision on consent will rest with the UK Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with a decision anticipated in 2023. As the project lies in Welsh waters, a Marine License is also required from Welsh Government through Natural Resources Wales.
Tamsyn Rowe, Project Manager for Awel y Môr, said: “This is a significant milestone for the development of this nationally significant project, which will help meet the targets in the recently published UK energy security strategy. The application is made up of hundreds of pages of detailed reports and is the culmination of a great deal of hard work by the project team.
“If approved, this project will also continue RWE’s long-term role as the largest provider of renewable energy in Wales . This includes projects like Gwynt y Môr and Clocaenog, and the apprenticeship scheme at Coleg Llandrillo, which will develop Wales’ skills and capabilities in the sector for many years to come.”
RWE, one of the world’s leading renewables businesses, is developing Awel y Môr with project partners Stadtwerke München (30%) and Siemens Financial Services (10%). RWE is #2 in the world for offshore wind and is driving the development of the largest offshore wind pipeline in the UK. It has committed to investing €50 billion gross through to 2030 to expand its powerful and green generation capacity to 50 gigawatts, with around €15 billion earmarked for the UK.
Offshore wind is one of the UK’s biggest growth industries and the Awel y Môr scheme will help ensure north Wales receives further investment in this area, bringing significant jobs and supply chain opportunities to the local economy. Information on the development of the project itself can be found on the website – www.awelymor.cymru
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE: 21st February
First opportunity to shape how north Wales communities could benefit from Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm
Six week consultation on benefits package from February 21 to April 4
- Responses sought from individuals and organisations across the region
- Range of views welcome on how the project could best support the local area including possible themes and guiding principles
Individuals and organisations from across north Wales are being invited to help shape how the region’s communities can share the benefits of the Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.
Awel y Môr, which translates as “sea breeze”, is being brought forward as a sister project to the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.
Having completed a statutory consultation on the project in late 2021, the project team is now looking to hear views on how to shape and administer the community benefits package.
Tamsyn Rowe, Awel y Môr project manager, believes hearing a range of perspectives is key to ensuring the region takes full advantage of the benefits provided by renewable energy schemes.
“RWE has deep roots here in north Wales: we have invested in the region significantly in recent years, both in terms of our workforce in Mostyn, but also with developments like Gwynt y Môr and Clocaenog, and their respective community benefits packages,” she said.
“We know from experience in establishing this element of a project requires careful preparation informed by equally careful listening.
“This consultation offers us the opportunity to find new ways of supporting local communities compared with other similar schemes in north Wales, as the project itself continues its own journey.
“Over the next six weeks, we will be seeking responses on how the project could best offer support, plus its guiding principles and what it should target.
“As well as liaising with Welsh Government, local authorities, community and town councils and the voluntary sector directly, we will also be looking to hear from individuals, there are many ways to get involved including an online questionnaire.”
The consultation, which runs from February 21 to April 4, can be found here https://awelymor.cymru/the-community/.
RWE, one of the world’s leading renewables businesses, is developing Awel y Môr on behalf of itself and partners.
Offshore wind is one of the UK’s biggest growth industries and the Awel y Môr scheme will help ensure north Wales receives further investment in this area, bringing significant jobs and supply chain opportunities to the local economy.
During construction, Awel y Môr’s sister project, Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, invested £90M into Welsh businesses.
Information on the development of the project itself can be found on the website – www.awelymor.cymru
ENDS
PRESS RELEASE: 16th December 2021
Awel y Môr consultation views taken on board
- Six-week autumn consultation ended on 11th October 2021
- Extensive engagement exercise with 900 members of the public during roadshow, in addition to over 3,500 visitors to online portal and 300 formal responses
- Key changes to project include 26% reduction in offshore array area and reduced impact on Rhyl Golf Club
The recent Awel y Môr offshore wind farm public consultation received a fantastic response from members of the public across north Wales. Following the exercise, RWE has carefully considered all feedback from stakeholders and members of the public and, as a result, amended key aspects of the project.
With concerns raised about the visual impact of the wind farm, the offshore array area has been reduced further on its western side, resulting in a 26% reduction from the original project design in 2020.
In addition to this, the maximum number of turbines that can be built has been significantly reduced from 91 to between 35-50. The final number will depend on the size of the turbines that are available nearer the construction phase. Whilst the size of the turbines will have an impact on the amount of power generated (the taller the turbines, the greater the electricity generation), it is still envisaged that they will generate enough electricity to supply clean, green energy to up to approximately half a million homes per year.
Another area of key local interest voiced during the consultation exercise was the proposal to locate construction works within the grounds of Rhyl Golf Club. As the feedback received clearly noted, the golf club is regarded and enjoyed as an important community asset, and a design is being progressed which will mean avoiding any above ground works at the club. Some access to the golf course will still be required, but this will be temporary and should not cause any major disruption.
Tamsyn Rowe, Awel y Môr Project Manager, was keen to thank all those who took the time to contribute:
“The feedback we received from the consultation was extremely valuable and will assist in informing our next steps in the planning process. We have significantly reduced the maximum number of turbines, as the visual impact was a key concern for many.
“Similarly, the importance of Rhyl Golf Club as a community focal area was emphasised, and we were consequently keen to communicate our amended proposals as early as possible in the development process to give the club some assurances and help support their own business activities and forward planning.”
“We will continue to make design refinements as we move towards submitting our formal planning applications next year and continue to discuss these with interested parties, including relevant landowners.
“I would like to reiterate our thanks to all who contributed to this consultation process – the feedback has been so helpful to us.”
RWE aims to submit its formal planning applications in Spring 2022.
RWE, one of the world’s leading renewable businesses, is developing Awel y Môr on behalf of itself and partners. The project presents a huge opportunity for Wales as it strives to reach its target of producing 70% of its electricity consumption from renewable energy sources by 2030. Offshore wind is one of the UK’s biggest growth industries and Awel y Môr will help ensure north Wales receives further investment in this area, bringing significant supply chain opportunities to the local economy.
During construction, Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm invested £90M into Welsh businesses and, since becoming fully operational, the wind farm has typically invested around £8M into the Welsh economy each year.
Any relevant information on the project development will also continue to be posted on the website – www.awelymor.cymru
ENDS
Note to Editors
Next steps
Given AyM has a proposed capacity in excess of 100MW offshore, under the Planning Act 2008 it is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). Consequently it is required to submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the UK Government in parallel with a Marine Licence application to the Welsh Government, given the project lies within Welsh waters.
About the project
In February 2017, the Crown Estate invited operators of existing UK offshore wind farms for expressions of interest regarding the possible extension of their projects. In August 2019, the Crown Estate confirmed 2.85GW of new capacity, across seven projects, would progress to the awards of rights. RWE and/or project partners put forward four projects and was successful in all four, including Galloper, Greater Gabbard, Rampion and Gwynt y Môr. RWE is a shareholder in all projects and is leading on the development of the Rampion, Galloper and Gwynt y Môr (now known as Awel y Môr) extensions. Greater Gabbard Extension will be a joint RWE and SSE development.
Gwynt y Môr (Awel y Môr’s sister project) is a 160 turbine, 576 MW offshore wind farm, located 13km off the North Wales coast in Liverpool Bay. It is capable of generating enough clean energy for up to 400,000 average UK households each year.
Through Gwynt y Môr and Awel y Môr, RWE and its partners are investing in renewable infrastructure and the Welsh supply chain. During the construction of Gwynt y Môr, £660m was spent with companies based in the UK, with over £90 million being spent within Wales.
For further information contact:
Rhys Flowers | E: rhys.flowers@four.cymru
PRESS RELEASE: 18th October 2021
Excellent response to Awel y Môr wind farm consultation
- Six-week consultation ended on 11thOctober 2021
- Events held for nine days across north Wales in addition to online webinars
- Over 900 people attended in person events
The recent Awel y Môr offshore wind farm public consultation received a fantastic response from members of the public across north Wales. A series of public consultation events running for nine days were held by RWE Renewables throughout the region, in person and online, offering people the opportunity to meet the team working on the project and to share their views on the proposed development.
Over 900 people attended sessions in person and around 300 formal survey and written responses were submitted, all providing valuable feedback. These responses will be considered and factored into the final project proposals.
Tamsyn Rowe from RWE Renewables is keen to thank all those who took the time to contribute, “When delivering consultations we always prefer to do face-to-face, but current circumstances meant that we needed to offer a mix of opportunities. That is why, in addition to the nine days spent travelling across north Wales, we also developed a virtual exhibition and ran online webinars for people to share their views and ask questions.
“This ensured there was an opportunity for everyone to be involved and it was great to see the number of responses pour in.
“We will now take the time to consider all feedback received ahead of finalising our formal applications which we plan on submitting in spring of 2022.
“I would like to thank all those who took part in the consultation, either face-to-face, online or via written correspondence as the local views are very important to us.”
RWE, one of the world’s leading renewable businesses, is developing Awel y Môr on behalf of itself and partners. The project presents a huge opportunity for Wales as it strives to reach its target of producing 70% of its electricity consumption from renewable energy sources by 2030. Offshore wind is one of the UK’s biggest growth industries and Awel y Môr will help ensure north Wales receives further investment in this area, bringing significant supply chain opportunities to the local economy.
During construction, Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm invested £90M into Welsh businesses and since becoming fully operational, the wind farm has typically invested around £8M into the Welsh economy each year.
Any relevant information on the project development will also continue to be posted on the website – www.awelymor.cymru
ENDS
Note to Editors
Next steps
Given AyM has a proposed capacity in excess of 100MW offshore, under the Planning Act 2008 it is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). Consequently it is required to submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) application to the UK Government in parallel with a Marine Licence application to the Welsh Government, given the project lies within Welsh waters.
About the project
In February 2017, the Crown Estate invited operators of existing UK offshore wind farms for expressions of interest regarding the possible extension of their projects. In August 2019, the Crown Estate confirmed 2.85GW of new capacity, across seven projects, would progress to the awards of rights. RWE and/or project partners put forward four projects and was successful in all four, including Galloper, Greater Gabbard, Rampion and Gwynt y Môr. RWE is a shareholder in all projects and is leading on the development of the Rampion, Galloper and Gwynt y Môr (now known as Awel y Môr) extensions. Greater Gabbard Extension will be a joint RWE and SSE development.
Gwynt y Môr (Awel y Môr’s sister project) is a 160 turbine, 576 MW offshore wind farm, located 13km off the North Wales coast in Liverpool Bay. It is capable of generating enough clean energy for up to 400,000 average UK households each year.
Through Gwynt y Môr and Awel y Môr, RWE and its partners are investing in renewable infrastructure and the Welsh supply chain. During the construction of Gwynt y Môr, £660m was spent with companies based in the UK, with over £90 million being spent within Wales.
For further information contact:
Deian Creunant | M: 07855 276740 |E: deian.creunant@four.cymru
PRESS RELEASE: 31st August
Awel y Môr Wind Farm project launches second round of consultation
- Consultation will run from 31stAugust to 11th October 2021
- Virtual exhibition available through website: awelymor.cymru
Local residents will have a second chance to comment on plans for an offshore wind farm being developed off the coast of North Wales. The Awel y Môr team has today published the project’s Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) which contains detailed maps and plans, plus information on the project’s expected impacts and how they will be avoided, minimised and mitigated where possible. The team is inviting people to review this report (provided with a Non-Technical Summary suitable for all readers) and to share their feedback.
RWE Renewables, on behalf of the Awel y Môr project partners, has developed a virtual consultation platform available to view online through the project website: www.awelymor.cymru. The project team also plans to be out-and-about in North Wales to meet with residents later in September/early October. Dates and outdoor spaces or venues (the face-to-face consultation plans involve a mobile exhibition vehicle and consulting outdoors) will be announced on the project website, with ‘covid safety’ being made a priority. A number of key consultation documents will also be available in hard copy at select libraries and community venues throughout the six-week consultation period (see deposit locations below).
Project Manager Tamsyn Rowe said, “We are really keen to hear from people on all aspects of the proposed wind farm. We held our first round of consultation from 3 November to 13 December 2020. Since then, we have continued with studies and surveys and refined our proposals which you can view on our virtual consultation portal.”
“I am really excited about this project and what it could deliver, not only in terms of renewable energy but also the creation of skilled jobs and local investment opportunities. We really welcome your views. This is your chance to shape our proposals and help secure the best project for the area before we submit our applications for the necessary consents in 2022. We look forward to hearing from you.”
Awel y Môr is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for Wales, as the only commercial-scale, fixed-bottom, offshore wind project that could be delivered in the 2020s. This project is currently scheduled to be the largest single renewable energy investment in Wales in the next decade and is critical to Wales playing a role in the UK’s offshore wind growth story, as well as in achieving critical renewable energy and decarbonisation targets.
If you have any questions, you can email awelymor@rwe.com, phone 0800 197 8232 or complete our project questionnaire online (available during the consultation period through our website).
For more information visit www.awelymor.cymru
ENDS
Deposit locations
PRESS RELEASE: 28th January 2021
Awel y Môr project team thanks public for their valuable feedback and announces preferred transmission corridor
- Feedback from recent public consultation has fed into Awel y Môr designs
- Preferred offshore and onshore grid corridors, landfall and substation zone have been identified
- More than 1,000 people visited the Awel y Môr public exhibition and there was overwhelming support for the project
The online Awel y Môr consultation held in 2020 was visited by over 1,100 individuals and feedback gathered has fed into the project’s decision making process.
Project Manager, Tamsyn Rowe said: “I would like to thank each and every one who took the time to view our proposals and take part in the consultation. We were pleased with the passion and enthusiasm for this project’s potential to deliver sustainable jobs locally and meet Wales’s green energy goals. The feedback also helped us reach a decision on site selection for the offshore and onshore cable corridors, the landfall and the onshore substation.”
The majority of participants were supportive of the proposals and 89% stated that they felt the project was important or very important in meeting Wales’ green energy goals. A large amount of valuable information was provided overall.
Following the public consultation; results from environmental studies and feedback from technical and statutory consultees, the Awel y Môr project team has now selected the preferred siting of the transmission infrastructure which can be viewed in the maps below.
Over the coming months, the team will continue to work with landowners and carry out environmental surveys which will help to further develop the transmission route.
Further consultation on the project is planned for later this year when the Awel y Môr team will consult on a Preliminary Environmental Information Report. This will include further detail on the transmission cable corridor and project substation. The team expects to submit its application to the Planning Inspectorate in 2022.
Preferred offshore cable corridor and landfall
Preferred onshore cable corridor and landfall
Preferred substation zone
PRESS RELEASE: 6th July 2020
Gwynt y Môr Extension announces project partners and new name
RWE Renewables UK (RWE) has today announced the new partners and name of the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm extension project and confirmed Agreement for Lease has successfully been secured with The Crown Estate.
The Gwynt y Môr extension project, which is currently in the early stages of development, will be known as Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm, meaning Sea Breeze. The project partners are now confirmed and include RWE (60%), Stadtwerke München (30%) and Siemens’ financing arm, Siemens Financial Services (10%). RWE, is once again leading the development of the project on behalf of the project partners.
Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm has also secured an Agreement for Lease with The Crown Estate for an area of seabed around 106km2 to the west of the existing Gwynt y Môr Wind Farm.
First Minister Mark Drakeford said: “I was very pleased to learn about the plans for Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm when I had the opportunity to visit Gwynt y Môr last year. This announcement brings the project a step closer to development and realising both the energy-generating potential of the site, together with the creation of more jobs in the local economy and in the supply chain.”
Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn, Chair of the North Wales Economic Ambition Board said, “The energy sector here in North Wales is integral to our economy and this project will further strengthen the region’s status as a leading location for low carbon energy generation. It’s a great example of partner collaboration and investment and we are heartened by RWE’s ongoing commitment to supporting local jobs and supply chain opportunities.”
Awel y Môr Project Manager, Tamsyn Rowe said: “We built North Hoyle off the coast of Wales which was the UK’s first large scale offshore wind farm, and later developed and built Rhyl Flats. RWE has also successfully built and now operates the £2billion Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm which supports over 100 local jobs. We are now excited to be working on its sister project, Awel y Môr which could not only support the UK’s target to bring greenhouse gases to net zero but also create significant supply chain opportunities and help boost the Welsh economy.
“Whilst the project is an extension of the existing Gwynt y Môr Wind Farm it will be progressed on its own merit as a nationally significant infrastructure energy project. Over the coming months, we will start development and planning activities where possible and in line with Government guidance.”
We have also launched the project website, so people can access information, track progress and get in touch with the project team.”
The bilingual website is: www.awelymor.cymru
The existing Gwynt y Môr Wind Farm was officially inaugurated in 2015 with the 576MW project able to generate enough energy for approximately 400,000 homes per annum and supporting over 100 permanent, skilled jobs in North Wales.