A huge new offshore wind farm could power over a third of Welsh homes with renewable energy, those behind the project have claimed.
The wind farm, which is still in its planning phase but is set to include up to 50 turbines, could supply energy to around 500,000 of the country’s 1.38 million households.
If built, Awel y Mor could help tackle climate change and minimise the UK’s reliance on imported energy, German-owned energy company RWE Renewables has said.
It could also cut energy costs and help the Welsh Government reach their 70% renewable energy target by 2030.
But critics of the scheme say the turbines, which would stand just over 10km off the north Wales coast, would harm marine life and affect tourism by spoiling the views from Snowdonia, other beauty spots and conservation areas.
Speaking to PA news agency from Gwynt y Mor wind farm, located in the Irish Sea, Tamsyn Rowe, RWE project lead, said: “Awel y Mor would be a fantastic opportunity for Wales. It would bring significant benefits in terms of helping the Welsh Government meet their renewable energy targets of 70% by 2030.
“It would also bring lots of skills and supply chain opportunities and jobs to the region.
“If it’s approved, as the project is in an early stage