A major new wind farm off the coast of North Wales can create ‘lots’ of new jobs according to the developer behind the scheme.
RWE Renewables 海角视频 has an ‘Agreement for Lease’ from The Crown Estate for the extension of Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm.
RWE want to build Awel y Môr just over 10km off the coast of Llandudno and Colwyn Bay - with up to 107 giant wind turbines.
They said that while they hadn’t confirmed exact job figures at this stage that Gwynt y Môr - which has 160 turbines - created over 700 jobs during construction and 100 long term roles.
But concerns remain over the potential impact of the wind farm extension with Aberconwy MS Janet Finch-Saunders among those voicing fears that it could be detrimental to Llandudno.
The maximum potential height being looked at could see turbines as tall as the Eiffel Tower.
A spokeswoman for RWE said: “Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm would be a significant infrastructure project, and could create lots of jobs both during construction and operation, directly and through the supply chain.
“Its sister project, Gwynt y Môr (operational since 2015) created over 700 jobs during construction and over £90 million was spent within Wales.
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“And since becoming operational, 100 long term, skilled jobs have been created with the wind farm typically investing around £8m into the Welsh economy each year.”
But MS Mrs Finch-Saunders, Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs, said: “Whilst I am a proud proponent of green energy, I have long urged for a sensible mix of technologies that realise the true extent of the present climate emergency, rather than continuing with this ill-advised project which has the potential to detrimentally impact Llandudno as one of the gems of the Welsh tourism crown.
“During recent conversations with sector officials, I have also been warned of the oversaturation of our shores due to an increase in wind farms close to the coast.
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“By instead championing other green energy projects, the Welsh Government can heed local opposition whilst protecting local wildlife including our local seabird populations.
"Instead, the Welsh Government should champion plans for a North Wales Tidal Lagoon, which would not only strengthen our local sea defences, but it could also have the added potential to facilitate the removal of quarry stones which have been dumped on north shore.
“I also welcome plans for innovative floating offshore wind farms, which would find space approximately 45km away from the coastline.”