Renewable energy investment company, Thrive Renewables, has acquired the rights to build Abergorki wind farm in Rhondda Cynon Taf, South Wales.
Construction of the proposed 13.5MW, three-turbine project is expected to start in Spring 2025, with commissioning planned for 2026. Once operational, it will be capable of generating up to 40 GWh of clean electricity per year, the equivalent of powering 12,349 average UK homes[1].
Abergorki was one of 21 onshore wind projects to secure a Contract for Difference in Auction Round 6 (AR6) of the UK Government’s main mechanism for providing price stability to low carbon electricity generation.
The site lies on Mynydd Maerdy, above the Rhondda Valleys, and is located within an area of significant wind farm development with both operational and consented wind farms in close proximity.
Monika Paplaczyk, Investment Director, Thrive Renewables said: “Wales has great natural wind resources, with 1.2 GW of onshore wind currently in operation and more under development. The Welsh government has ambitions for renewables to supply 100% of the country’s electricity needs by 2035, so we’re really excited to be moving this project forward to deliver cleaner, cheaper electricity for homes and businesses. We’ll also be working closely with the council to ensure the wind farm benefits the community, as well as local good causes.”
The Abergorki wind project was originally owned by developer, REG Power Management (RPM), and was granted planning permission by the local council in July 2015.
Andrew Whalley, Chief Executive Officer of RPM, said,“We are delighted to close the sale of Abergorki with Thrive Renewables, a company with a successful history of working with local communities and councils to deliver new renewable energy projects. The site has an excellent energy resource and as well as making an important local contribution, will also play its part in delivering on the UK’s net zero ambitions”.
[1] Based on an annual generation of 40GWh and calculated using the most recent statistics from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) showing that UK average domestic household consumption is 3,239kWh per annum https://www.renewableuk.com/page/UKWEDExplained
