In early September 2025, Galileo, the developer behind the Bryncadwgan wind turbine power plant proposal, staged two public “consultations” to brief the public on the planning application they are likely to submit before the end of 2025.
To coincide with this public engagement, Cadw Cambria decided to run its own parallel consultation, where we allowed the public to ask the questions that Galileo were desperately trying to avoid. Below, we’d like to present the results of the online survey used to capture local opinion on the proposed wind turbine power plant development.
Based on the survey responses, the public has clearly rejected the massive wind turbine development in favour of more diverse, locally focused renewable energy solutions. Here’s a narrative summary of their preferred alternatives
Public Vision for Energy Alternatives – Tidal and Marine Energy Emerges as Top Priority
The strongest theme across responses is enthusiasm for tidal energy, particularly leveraging Wales’s exceptional natural advantage, with the Bristol Channel having the world’s second-largest tidal range. Respondents highlighted tidal energy’s superior reliability and predictability compared to wind power, noting that water possesses ten times the power of wind at a fraction of the speed. They advocate for tidal lagoons near Welsh coastal communities where much of the population and major industry are located, including Port Talbot, Cardiff, Swansea, and Newport.
Community-Centred, Local-Scale Solutions
A clear preference emerged for energy generation that serves local communities rather than distant shareholders or foreign venture capitalists. Respondents favour appropriately scaled renewable installations that can feed directly into local grids without requiring expensive new pylon networks and substations. This includes solar panels on existing infrastructure like housing, businesses, industrial buildings, and shopping centres rather than dedicated “energy parks.”
Diverse Technology Portfolio
While rejecting massive wind farms, respondents support a mixed approach, including:
- Small-scale nuclear plants serving local communities
- Hydroelectric generation utilising Wales’s water resources
- Offshore wind (when well-engineered and environmentally respectful)
- Wave power and other marine renewables
- Individual and community solar installations
Sustainability and Environmental Consciousness
Many responses emphasised the need for reduced energy consumption through better insulation, efficiency improvements, and lifestyle changes. There’s particular concern about the environmental impact of large wind turbines, including carbon fibre blade waste and plastic particle pollution.
The overarching message is clear: the public wants energy solutions that benefit Welsh communities directly, utilise the country’s natural advantages responsibly, and operate at a human scale rather than industrial gigantism.
We challenge Galileo to publish all the public feedback they have collected from the most recent and the earlier public consultations.