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.
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, in Anglesey to supply 20% of the Islands power and at Ramsey Sound off the Pembroke coast a scheme to supply 1000 homes has been approved for trial. 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. |
Despite a long and hard fought fight we failed in our opposition to the Fforch Nest and Pant y Wal Wind Farms located in Bridgend County Borough, albeit we had reduced the planned size and number of turbines.
In concert with GVAG (The Green Valley Action Group) we turned out attention that portion of the Fforch Nest Wind Farm which lies in Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough comprising 7 Turbines. With the active support of the RCT Councillor for Gilfach Goch, we persuaded the RCT Planning Committee to decisively reject this application.
Developments unforeseen when SWATT was founded means that Glynogwr, Gilfach Goch and Evanstown face encirclement by Wind Turbines (See Turbine Map). This will be a central part of our case at the appeal.
NPower the developers appealed this decision. The appeal was heard at Gilfach Goch Community Centre over 8 days in October. See Appeal |
