Wind farms set to go ahead, but critics fear they are chasing money

Awel Y Môr off north Wales and Erebus off Pembrokeshire will power almost one million homes when delivered by 2030-31

RWE's Gwynt y Mor, the world's 2nd largest offshore wind farm off the coast of North Wales(Image: Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

The news that two new Welsh wind farms have secured UK Government contracts as part of the push to reach 95% clean electricity by 2030, has received mixed reviews from Wales Online readers. Awel y Môr off north Wales and Erebus off Pembrokeshire are the first Welsh offshore projects approved in over a decade.

The schemes are expected to generate enough power for nearly a million homes and bring around £2.6 billion of investment to coastal and industrial communities. Erebus will use floating turbine technology, a step toward larger projects planned by 2035. Both are scheduled to be operational by 2030–31.

RenewableUK Cymru says the contracts signal a shift after Wales received less than 2% of clean energy capacity in the last decade. Jessica Hooper, the group’s director, said: "Wales's success in this auction shows that we can play a leading role – but maintaining momentum will be critical if we are to anchor jobs, investment and long-term economic value here in Wales."

The UK Government emphasises that domestic offshore wind will reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut energy bills. The latest round also included six major projects across the UK, including Berwick Bank in Scotland and Dogger Bank South off Yorkshire, among the world’s largest planned offshore wind schemes.

Offshore wind auctions have steadily expanded since 2015, with falling costs and rising capacity. This round alone secured 8.4GW, enough to power over 12 million homes.

Commenter Callum Ray thinks: “Great to see futuristic technology being deployed in Wales. Jobs for now and a better future. Solar, batteries and electric cars were once expensive. Offshore wind is the same. Floating could be big with more reliable winds further out and maybe more production line manufacturing than traditional offshore.”

Gareth Howard John Dowdell agrees: “This is very positive news. Establishing the building and maintenance base in Port Talbot will create a range of long-term jobs for the local community, from skilled construction roles to ongoing operational and maintenance positions. It also promises to boost the local economy and support local suppliers.”

Karen Schneider adds: “Excellent. It's only by increasing our renewables that we are going to see prices fall and not be reliant on unstable countries supplying our fuel.”

Dave Howells disagrees: “The countryside is being vandalised. A once-beautiful hillside is being scarred by a Chinese-made wind turbine that many argue we simply do not need. This development threatens to destroy the natural landscape, harm local wildlife, and set a worrying precedent for prioritising corporate interests over environmental and community concerns.”

Lyn Powell adds: “What an enormous waste of money, an eyesore with a very short lifespan.”

Mark Page comments: “A complete waste of time and money, useless, non-recyclable rubbish that barely produces anything. They’re paid not to produce, just chasing green subsidies.”

Goatman is concerned: “Disgraceful. How many of Pembrokeshire's delicate migrating sea bird population will be destroyed to please this fantasy? What impact will this have on the tourism sector? Starting to look more like the Soviet Union by the day! This must be stopped at all costs.”

Do you think these new Welsh wind farms are a positive step for clean energy, or do you have concerns about their impact on the coastline and communities? Share your thoughts below.

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