Calls Grow for Rethink on Large-Scale Wind Farm Expansion Across Wales

According to figures highlighted by Janet Finch-Saunders MS, around 70 wind energy projects are currently in development across Wales, with nine new projects approved in North Wales during 2025 alone. Many of the proposed turbines could reach heights of up to 200 metres, making them among the tallest structures in the Welsh countryside.

The issue has become increasingly contentious as communities across rural Wales face a wave of renewable energy proposals, covering most regions – and many residents and indeed, small business owners, particularly in tourist areas, do not believe their views have been fully taken into account.

Janet Finch-Saunders, Senedd Member for Bangor Conwy Môn, has warned that the cumulative impact of such developments must be carefully assessed before further approvals are granted.

She said:

“Wales is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, and they are a major reason why millions of visitors come here each year. While renewable energy has an important role to play, we must ensure that development is proportionate and does not come at the expense of our natural environment, tourism industry or food security and rural communities.

“The prospect of 200-metre high turbines dominating our countryside raises legitimate concerns for local communities. We must carefully consider cumulative impact on our landscapes, wildlife and the productive farmland that sustains rural Wales.

“The First Minister has previously recognised that large-scale renewable projects can lead to the loss of productive farmland, farming jobs, and valuable economic activity in rural communities. In light of the scale of development now being proposed, I believe there is a strong case form the Welsh Government to declare a moratorium on large windfarm developments, and put in place a plan that prioritises food security in Wales.”

The debate comes amid wider concerns being raised across Wales about the impact of renewable energy infrastructure on rural communities.

A recent BBC report highlighted growing opposition to some of the largest proposed wind farm developments, with campaigners arguing that turbines approaching 200 metres in height could permanently alter the character of Welsh landscapes and affect tourism in some of the country’s most scenic areas.

Grace Lloyd told the BBC that her home near Caerphilly would be “surrounded”, saying:

“We’re sort of surrounded by where the wind farms are going to be,” she said.

Familiar electricity pylons are dotted across the common. Planned wind turbines, she told them, would be five times taller.

“It would break my heart to see this covered in concrete and bulldozed,” she added.

Source: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2663lxw00o

Local communities, including advocacy groups like the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales (CPRW), have emphasized that the Welsh Tourism economy relies heavily on untouched natural trails and dark skies, which they claim wind farms will ruin.

However, concerns are not limited to visual impact. Questions have also been raised regarding the loss of agricultural land, the effect on food production and the long-term future of family farming businesses.

Critics argue that Wales must strike a balance between achieving renewable energy targets and protecting productive farmland.

Wildlife groups and campaigners have also pointed to the potential impact on bird populations. Estimates cited by opponents suggest that wind turbines may contribute to the deaths of between 100,000 and 250,000 birds annually, although environmental assessments are typically required as part of the planning process for major developments.

National security and military considerations have also entered the debate. This week, Nation.Cymru reported concerns raised by Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick regarding proposed wind farm developments near the Sennybridge Training Area. The Ministry of Defence has previously expressed concerns that some schemes could affect military operations, low-flying aircraft activity and radar systems in the area.

Speaking to Nation.Cymru, Mr Chadwick warned that proposed developments risk causing “lasting damage to our countryside” and called for concerns relating to wildlife, tourism, rural economies and defence infrastructure to be properly considered before projects move forward.

Supporters of renewable energy argue that onshore wind remains one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security. Developers also point to community benefit funds, job creation and Wales’ climate commitments as reasons why projects should proceed.

However, with dozens of projects now progressing through the planning system and growing opposition emerging in several parts of the country, pressure is mounting on the Welsh Government to demonstrate how it intends to balance renewable energy ambitions with the protection of Wales’ landscapes, food production and rural communities.

As the debate intensifies, calls for a comprehensive review of the cumulative impact of large-scale wind farm developments appear likely to grow louder across Wales.