Output

The existing project at Moel Moelogan, “Cwmni Gwynt Teg”, comprises of two turbines, each capable of producing 1300 Kilo Watts (Kw) of electricity per hour. The amount of electricity produced by wind turbines, in relation to their potential capacity, obviously depends on how windy it is! The average site in the UK produces electricity at a capacity factor of 30%. Since production started in January 2003, the turbines at Moel Moelogan have been producing electricity at an average of 43% of their current ºcapacity for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week - this is the equivalent of producing at full power for 10 hours per day, 365 days per year. The output of the three turbines is equal to the requirement of 2500 homes, or all the farms, homes and villages in the Bro Garmon area, as well as Llanrwst, Betws-y-Coed and Trefriw. A turbine on a typical British site, even operating at just 30% of capacity, will produce double the electricity of the same turbine on a typical German site, yet there are 14,500 turbines in Germany!

The electricity produced from Moel Moelogan goes to the local Llanrwst sub-station 4.5km away and is sold to the Non-Fossil Purchasing Agency (NFPA) - who have half yearly auctions to sell on to the utilities.

Funding

The funding for the first project was provided by a loan by Triodos Bank (the leading ethical bank for funding sustainable projects) (£1.7 million), Objective One funding (£366,000), and a Barclays Bank loan (£460,000) (£2.5 million total).

Ownership

Two turbines are owned and operated by the local farming co-operative, the third turbine is owned and operated by Energiekontor, a German wind development company. This turbine is just as efficient as the Cwmni Gwynt Teg turbines and is also producing electricity for local distribution.

Output

The new scheme was originally intended to feature an additional 11 turbines. However the views of some local people and public bodies such as the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) were taken into account as part of the consultation process, and the plans have been revised to incorporate just 9 additional turbines, within a more compact area and at reduced height.

If the UK average on-shore capacity factor of 30% is used, then the new scheme is forecast to produce 30.7 million Kw/h of energy per year, this will provide enough energy for some 7,300 homes (16% of the County). Based on actual figures of 43% capacity from Moel Moelogan, the site is set to produce 44 million Kw/h, which is enough energy for 10,400 homes.

Funding

It is anticipated that some 75% of the total cost will be raised through a commercial bank who will have a charge over Ail Wynt’s assets. The other 25% or so will be raised by a combination of an investment issue, and the co-operative’s own endeavours.

Ownership

Uniquely in Wales, it will be owned 100% by the farming co-operative.

• At least 26,400 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide saved annually
• At least 304 tonnes of Nitrogen Dioxide saved annually
• 100% locally owned
• Over £200,000 injected into the local economy annually
• UK 2003 Ashden Award winners
• Pioneering Energy Saving Scheme
• Unique investment opportunity for local people
• Replicable throughout Britain
• Approved by CCW
• In partnership with the RSPB
• Supported by the Church of Wales, and Farming Unions