The Proposal:

The proposed Nant y Moch wind farm will make a significant contribution toward National Targets for the provision of electricity from renewable resources, thereby meeting requirements for carbon free energy generation and domestic security of supply.

The Nant y Moch wind farm proposal is part of a portfolio of renewable energy projects being developed and managed by SSE Renewables working with our Welsh lead consultant, Dulas. Dulas is a renewable energy consultancy with experience of over 55 planning applications and environmental statements resulting in the consenting of over 200MW in renewable energy projects.

The location of the proposed wind farm in mid Wales, is east of the A487 between Talybont and Nant y Moch reservoir in an area of Forestry Commission Wales land and privately owned agricultural grazing land. The area is typified by rural farming and commercial forestry. The development of this proposal would realistically meet and may exceed the target capacity for SS A 'D' (140MW).

As well as according with current spatial planning guidance for large scale wind farms (TAN8) SSE Renewables has also applied its own site identification and development criteria to ensure it develops schemes that are unlikely to lead to significant impacts.

At a nominal capacity range of 140-170MW, the application will be above the 50MW Section 36 threshold and will therefore be determined by the new Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC)

Ecological studies have been in progress for the land holding for the previous Moel Fferm proposal (now part of the Nant y Moch wind farm) since April 2006. Environmental Impact Assessment Studies (EIA) or archaeology, hydrology, mining, acoustic and visual impact have also been conducted for the Moel Fferm proposal. Similar EIA studies have now commenced for the FCW land holdings. These are currently being informed through consultation with all of the relevant consultees. The formal Scoping process is being finalised with DECC and SSE Renewables also held a 'roundtable' Scoping consultation meeting which took place on 30th June 2008 with all Statutory Consultees at the Penmorfa offices of Ceredigion County Council.

What is sought is a truly 'sustainable development' that will be of real and lasting benefit to the local and regional economy, as well as to Wales. SSE Renewables' expertise and proven track record in planning and developing wind farms along with Dulas as our consultants make a potent team in this exciting opportunity to develop the Nant y Moch wind farm.

SSE Renewables are committed to providing over £7,500,000 in community benefits funds over the life of the project. A community liaison group has been set up to discuss these funds and to influence how they will be used with up to £1,000,000 being released prior to the commissioning of the wind farm.