Countryside charity welcomes decision but warns over cumulative impact of dozens of schemes across Wales

THE WELSH countryside charity CPRW has welcomed the decision by energy developer Bute Energy to withdraw its planning application for the proposed Nant Ceiment Energy Park in Carmarthenshire.

The scheme would have seen up to thirteen large wind turbines constructed in the Teifi Valley landscape.

Bute Energy confirmed the withdrawal following what it described as a detailed review of environmental, land and commercial factors, concluding that the project was not viable in its current form.

Local residents and campaigners had raised concerns about the potential impact of the turbines and the wider cumulative effect of multiple large wind developments being proposed across rural Wales.

CPRW chairman Jonty Colchester said the decision demonstrated the importance of scrutiny and public engagement during the planning process.

He said: “We welcome the withdrawal of the Nant Ceiment proposal. It shows that careful scrutiny and community engagement matter.

“Wales does need renewable energy, but it must be delivered through a strategic and coordinated approach that fully respects our landscapes, biodiversity and rural communities.”

The charity says it is currently monitoring more than seventy wind energy proposals progressing through the planning system across Wales.

These include major schemes such as Lan Fawr, Banc y Celyn, Gaerwen, Nant Mithil, Mynydd Maen and projects being promoted by the publicly owned developer Trydan Gwyrdd Cymru.

CPRW warned that several developments in south Wales highlight growing concerns about cumulative impact.

Planning decisions are still pending for schemes including Mynydd Maen, proposed by RES, and Trecelyn, promoted by Pennant Walters. Both developments are linked to the recently approved 92-acre Cil-lonydd solar farm.

Further proposals include four turbines at Rhyswg, while hearings are due to consider the Mynydd Llanhilleth scheme, which would involve seven turbines standing up to 180 metres high.

Campaigners say that when these projects are considered together, they raise concerns about the gradual expansion of large-scale energy infrastructure and the potential industrialisation of wide areas of upland Wales.

While supporting the transition to renewable energy, CPRW says it wants to see a more strategic approach to development that balances the need for green power with protection for landscapes, biodiversity and tourism.

The organisation is calling for a national renewables strategy that takes cumulative impacts into account, with greater emphasis placed on offshore wind projects. It is also urging improved transparency and stronger community involvement earlier in the planning process, alongside robust environmental standards to prevent unsuitable developments going ahead.

Further information on onshore wind proposals across Wales is available on the CPRW website.

Campaigners say Reform policies could risk future investment in Haven energy projects

A WEST WALES climate campaign group has urged voters in Milford Haven and Hakin to consider the future of green energy jobs before casting their ballots in the upcoming local election on Monday (Mar 17).

The intervention from the West Wales Climate Coalition (WWCC), which describes itself as a network of environmental and social justice organisations operating across the region, comes as campaigning intensifies ahead of the vote.

In a statement issued this week, the group warned that electing councillors opposed to green transition policies could undermine investment linked to the emerging Celtic Freeport and floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea.

The coalition previously organised a petition in September 2025 questioning the work of a Pembrokeshire County Council review group examining the authority’s Net Zero strategy.

Following the petition, a representative of the group addressed a full council meeting on Wednesday (Oct 9), where councillors were urged not to abandon climate planning commitments.

During that meeting, Cllr Marc Tierney, Cabinet Member for the Well-being of Future Generations, said Pembrokeshire “does not want to be left behind” when it comes to supporting green transition policies.

The issue has become closely linked to the future of the Celtic Freeport centred on Milford Haven, where major port upgrades and new manufacturing facilities are expected to support the rollout of floating offshore wind (FLOW) technology in the Celtic Sea.

Supporters say the projects could bring significant investment and new skilled jobs to the Haven Waterway.

The UK Government has identified Pembrokeshire as a key location for funding to develop port infrastructure and train workers needed to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

However, the WWCC claims that policies proposed by Reform UK in Wales could slow or reverse progress towards renewable energy development.

The group argues that voters should consider how the election result could affect long-term investment and employment opportunities linked to the green energy sector.

In its statement, the coalition said Milford Haven is “in an enviable position” to benefit from investment associated with the green transition, but warned that failing to continue preparing for the shift to low-carbon energy could see jobs and infrastructure projects move elsewhere.

The Milford & Hakin ward election will take place on Monday (Mar 17).

THE CELTIC FREEPORT has secured £638,000 in UK Government funding to support key infrastructure projects in Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot, helping to unlock future investment and accelerate development linked to floating offshore wind and clean energy industries.

The funding forms part of a wider £3.3 million package announced for sixteen Industrial Strategy Zone projects across the UK. The three successful Celtic Freeport schemes will focus on removing development barriers and preparing sites for future commercial activity.

Successful projects

Criterion Quay, Pembroke Dock — £213,000

Funding will support technical assessments required to enable floating offshore wind operations and maintenance (O&M) infrastructure at the site.

Talbot Wharf, Port Talbot — £265,000

Land remediation works will improve the viability of development plots, making them more attractive to companies within the floating offshore wind supply chain.

Port Talbot Marine Infrastructure — £160,000

Feasibility and design work will be carried out to refurbish two jetties, supporting future import and export activity and strengthening marine capability at the port.

Rt Hon Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, said:“From offshore wind manufacturing on the Humber to new clean energy facilities in Pembrokeshire, this backing for our freeports will generate real economic growth across the country. By tackling the barriers developers face early on, we’re helping to unlock significant private investment and create thousands of good jobs in clean energy and advanced manufacturing.”

Luciana Ciubotariu, Chief Executive of Celtic Freeport, said: “Today marks a significant milestone for Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot. Securing UK Government funding for these three projects accelerates the Celtic Freeport’s vision, supporting investment in port infrastructure that will enable floating offshore wind and the wider green energy transition.”