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RWE Renewables is currently developing the first phase of the Awel y Môr project. Previously, in 2015, the company completed a similar project, Gwynt y Môr, with 160 turbines located offshore in Llandudno, Conwy. This is one of the largest offshore wind farms in the UK.
In an effort to bring Awel y Môr closer to the local people, the company launched an online exhibition platform so that people could better understand the new wind farm and share their opinions and reviews.
A preliminary report outlining the potential negative impacts on marine life, birds, and ocean currents has been released. Simultaneously, noise generated by the wind farm is also being considered, along with its effects on tourism and conservation efforts.
In the future, the total number of turbines in both projects could reach 251, at which point Gwynt y Môr combined with Awel y Môr would become one of the largest wind farms in the world.
Tamsyn Rowe, the project director, said: "Normally, we would open a face-to-face discussion with people, but doing that this year is not possible."
"We want this consultation to reach as many people as possible, so I hope everyone will participate in this initial phase so we can gather more feedback before we begin developing the project."
The company called the Awel y Môr proposals a "once-in-a-decade opportunity for Wales," and the largest renewable energy plan envisioned in the country over the next 10 years.
The public consultation will last until October 11, 2021, and the company expects to submit the application to the Government in 2022. If approved, the plan could become operational by 2030.
According to RWE, the maximum number of turbines planned for the Awel y Môr project has been reduced from 107 to 91, which will be built between Colwyn Bay and Llanfairfechan, covering an area of 88 km².2and could reach a height of 332 m. This location will be 10.5 km from the coast, situated west of the turbines at the Gwynt y Môr farm.
