SWATT was originally formed in 2005 as a result of two planning applications totalling up to 27 Wind Turbines, 378 ft high, in an area to the North East Glynogwr and North of Gilfach Goch, Mid Glamorgan.
We cover an area on the edge of the Coal field plateau North East of Bridgend embracing the villages Glynogwr, Blackmill Gilfach Goch and Evanstown which straddles both Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taff County Boroughs.(See Map)
The more we studied Wind power the more we discovered its limitations and realized that it was not an answer to the need for renewable energy. We began to look at the A in SWATT
Wales has many alternative and more efficient and predictable source of energy. Around our coast is one of the best tidal energy reserves in the world. The Severn Estuary has tremendous renewable energy generation potential and we must explore the most environmentally acceptable ways of implementing this as a high priority. Welsh companies are working on innovative underwater turbine technology. Wave power schemes such as those being trialled off the Scottish Coast would be another obvious option. Further, as a legacy of coal, South Wales is well served with deep mines – Could these be exploited for coal gasification and/or geothermal energy? If so, it would bring real investment and jobs back into the Valleys and provide a potentially inexhaustible source of reliable local power and what about clean coal? All the potentials have been all but ignored in the rush for Wind. |
