WELCOME BRAINT WIND FARM

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1 W Legend App Tur Lan Acc Cra 2 Co Sub Site Infra Applicatio Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. Crown copyright and database rights All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey Licence Number AL West Coast Energy) / WELCOME 0 Kilometres TO WEST COAST ENERGY S EXHIBITION FOR Scale 1:10, when reproduced A3 size Scheme Site Layout and Application Boundary BRAINT WIND FARM Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our proposal for a three turbine wind farm located to the south of the settlement of Rhoscefnhir and due north east of the village of Penmynydd in Anglesey. The proposal will be referred to as Braint Wind Farm. The planning applicant will be Ynys Môn Wind Energy Ltd, a subsidiary of West Coast Energy Ltd. Braint Wind Farm will: 1. Provide electricity from an indigenous renewable energy source, helping security and continuity of supply as fossil fuels continue to deplete. 2. Financially benefit local communities, enabling the income to fund projects that will help the community. 3. Contribute to UK and Welsh Government targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase the amount of energy produced from renewable sources. 4. Provide greater diversity in the energy mix. The maximum height of the turbines will be 81m to blade tip. The hub height will be 55m with individual blade lengths of 26m there may be variations in the overall dimensions depending upon the turbine make and model selected at the construction stage whilst not exceeding the overall blade tip height of 81m). The modest footprint taken by the turbines will ensure that farming can continue unimpeded around them and moreover they can be readily removed in a matter of months, leaving very little development legacy. ABOUT WEST COAST ENERGY Ynys Môn Wind Energy Ltd is a subsidiary of West Coast Energy Ltd, and has been specifically set up to develop the Braint Wind Farm. Established in 1996, West Coast Energy is an independent family-run company from North Wales with an excellent track record of wind farm development. West Coast Energy has been responsible for developing over 670MW of wind power throughout the UK. West Coast Energy s team of highly experienced professionals specialise in the identification, design, planning and development of wind energy projects through to construction and operation. Drawn by: A Checked by Approved by

2 OUR PROPOSAL Three wind turbines are proposed for Braint, with a total installed capacity for the site of approximately 2.55MW 1. The proposal will include a substation building and will make use of some existing internal farm access tracks, as well as the creation of new internal access tracks. ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS: Energy Security: Wind energy provides greater diversity in the energy mix, is indigenous, independent of outside fuel sources. It is also of course, an energy source that will never deplete, unlike fossil fuels. These qualities ensure greater security and continuity of electricity supply. Powering local homes: Based on three 850kW turbines 2.55MW of installed capacity overall), the wind farm is projected to generate clean green electricity to meet the annual domestic electricity consumption equivalent to around 1,349 homes 2. Reducing C02 emissions: Once constructed, the wind farm will produce no carbon, nitrogen or sulphur emissions. Moreover, taking the above assumptions, the wind farm would displace approximately 2,895 tonnes of carbon dioxide CO2) per annum 3 the actual amount could be much higher, if the emissions savings were to offset the CO2 emissions of a conventional coal fired power station). Thus, over the 25 year life of the wind farm, it could displace about 72,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. Agricultural production: The modest footprint taken by the turbines will ensure that the primary agricultural use of the land can continue whilst the wind farm is in operation. It also means that the turbines can be readily removed in a matter of months at the end of their operational lifespan. 1. This total capacity figure may be higher or lower depending upon the turbine ultimately selected for the site. This assumption is based on our candidate turbine which is a Gamesa G52 which has an output of 850kW 2. Assumes a 26.4% Capacity Factor DECC, 2012), based on three 850kW turbines and an annual household domestic electricity consumption of 4,266kWh. These figures therefore assume the wind farm will produce 5,897MWh per annum. Average wind speed assumptions are based on NOABL database a wind speed database which covers the UK), but on-site wind speed data is currently being collected which in time will provide greater accuracy of local wind speeds. Reference to 1,349 households is therefore a projection. 3. This static projected figure is based on the Renewable-UK recommended offset rate of 430g CO2/kWh. The actual amount of CO2 emissions savings could be significantly greater if the electricity generated by this wind farm was in practice shown to offset the CO2 emissions of a conventional coal-fired power station. 55m 81m 52m

3 WHY HERE? West Coast Energy undertakes significant research and planning before deciding whether a site is suitable for a wind energy development. The proposed Braint site has been chosen for a wind farm for several reasons: The site benefits from an excellent wind resource. The site is not located within any internationally, nationally or locally designated sites for ecology, ornithology, landscape or geology. There is very good road access to the site, with direct access from an A classified road. Existing farm tracks within the site where practical will be used, reducing the amount of new track construction work needed. Other tracks will run alongside field margins and will have a negligible impact upon the existing farming operation. It will bring diversity of income into the farming economy, and the landowner s day to day operations of farming can continue unimpeded during the operation of the wind farm. The proposal would meet Government prescribed guidance on issues relating to noise. The site has been designed so that there will be no shadow flicker effects on surrounding properties. The turbines can be sited far enough away from residential properties so that stringent noise guidelines are comfortably met and that no properties will be affected by shadow flicker. GOVERNMENT TARGETS In addition to the above factors, the UK and Welsh Government are committed to reducing carbon dioxide and other polluting gases. To help Wales meet this commitment, it has signed up to a target for 15% of energy consumption 1 or 30% of electricity consumption 2 to be produced from renewable energy sources by The Government also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 80% by The Welsh Government have set a target of achieving 4.5 kilowatt hours kwh) of renewable energy per day per person by This is a figure which equates to about 2 Gigawatts GW) or 2,000 Megawatts MW) of operational onshore wind in Wales by The EU s Directive of 15% of energy to be produced from renewable sources by The UK Renewable Energy Strategy 2009 which states that to attain the 15% EU target, more than 30% about 117 TWh) of electricity will need to be generated from renewables. It expects that the majority 64%) of this electricity will be from wind power, both on and offshore. These quantities equate to 26.3GW of wind, broken down into about 14GW of onshore and 12GW of offshore. 3. A Low Carbon Revolution The Welsh Assembly Government Energy Policy Statement March 2010)

4 BRAINT WIND FARM: COMMUNITY FUND TO HELP TACKLE FUEL POVERTY ON ANGELSEY INTRODUCTION: West Coast Energy is committed to the principle that communities which host wind farm developments should benefit from the generation of locally produced renewable electricity. For Braint Wind Farm it is proposed that the community benefit fund will initially be targeted towards initiatives that help tackle Fuel Poverty on the Island. It is envisaged that fuel poverty initiatives will be tackled for the first 5 years, with the local Community Development Trust then deciding whether they want to continue targeting fuel poverty or fund other initiatives. This will take place through our partnership with National Energy Action Cymru NEA Cymru), a national charity that aims to eradicate Fuel Poverty and campaign for greater investment in energy efficiency to help those who are vulnerable. The Braint Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund would constitute the higher of a guaranteed payment of either 3,000 for each megawatt of installed generation capacity every year for the life of the wind farm, or a 10% share of the profits from the wind farm. Based upon three 850kW turbines, with a total installed capacity of 2.55MW and a figure of 3,000 per MW per annum, the Community Benefit Fund would amount to circa 261,000 1 over the operational life of the wind farm and in all likelihood a much higher figure from the 10% net profit share. Our community benefit partnership model does not require any up-front investment from any partner organisations or the wider community and it therefore carries no financial risk. BRAINT WIND FARM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL ENERGY ACTION NEA) If planning permission is granted for Braint Wind Farm, Ynys Môn Wind Energy Ltd will work in partnership with NEA Cymru as well as any other local fuel poverty or energy efficiency groups, with the aim of targeting the Braint Wind Farm s Community Fund towards Anglesey s fuel poverty issues. As stated above the fund would be targeted at fuel poverty issues and initiatives in the Anglesey area. It is envisaged that a Local Board of Trustees would be set up to manage and oversee the fund, including the allocation and distribution of the funds, in partnership with NEA Cymru and any other local fuel poverty groups. Please refer to the NEA partnership leaflet for further details. 1. This figure is a projection which assumes indexation based on a standard RPI of 2.5% - in reality this figure may be higher or lower.

5 BRAINT WIND FARM: COMMUNITY FUND TO HELP TACKLE FUEL POVERTY ON ANGELSEY WHY TACKLE FUEL POVERTY ON ANGLESEY? Fuel poverty means being unable to afford to heat your home to the level required for comfort and wellbeing. It s caused by three main factors; rising energy bills, low incomes, and energy inefficient housing which is difficult and expensive to heat. It is estimated that around 425,000 households in Wales are living in fuel poverty 1, affecting around 15% of all households in Anglesey 2. Approximately 20% of fuel poor households in Wales are living in severe fuel poverty, spending 1 in every 5 to adequately heat their homes. 3 Many people worried about rising energy bills choose to ration their energy use, unaware that living in a cold home can put them at risk of developing or exacerbating serious health conditions such as strokes, heart-attacks and bronchitis. Between 2011 and 2012, 1,300 more people died in the winter months in Wales compared to the rest of the year, with the majority of these excess winter deaths caused by cold-related illness 4. Those most likely to be in fuel poverty are our most vulnerable members of society - the elderly, young children, or those who are chronically ill or disabled. Many are faced with the difficult choice of whether to spend their limited income on the energy they need to keep warm in their homes and cut back on other necessities such as food; or reduce their energy costs and put themselves at risk. Improving the energy efficiency of a home is the most sustainable way of tackling fuel poverty, but other measures such as fuel-debt advice can also have a significant impact. Targeted programmes that tackle the needs of the whole community can help to reduce the suffering of individual householders, boost the local economy, and reduce the burden on local health services. 1. Consumer Focus Wales, Switched off: consumer views on energy switching in Wales, p.11, available at pdf, last accessed 10 January These figures are based on data modelled by University of Bristol and Centre for Sustainable Energy from 2001 Census and 2004 Living in Wales survey, available at desh/policy/090129fuelmapangleseyen.pdf, last accessed 10 January Consumer Focus Wales, Switched off: consumer views on energy switching in Wales, p.11, available at pdf, last accessed 10 January Excess Winter Mortality in England and Wales, 2011/12 Provisional) and 2010/11 Final), fig. 6, available at html?edition=tcm%3a , last accessed on 01 March 2013.

6 BRAINT WIND FARM: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT An Environmental Impact Assessment EIA) of the proposal is currently being prepared by independent specialist consultants appointed to study the potential effects of the development on landscape and visual amenity, noise, ecology, ornithology, geology, hydrology, archaeology and cultural heritage. The production of energy from the proposed Braint Wind Farm is in accordance with national energy and renewable energy policies. The energy produced here will make a tangible contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and tackling climate change. The wider environmental, social and economic benefits of renewable energy schemes, whatever their scale, are a material consideration which, according to latest Government advice, should be given significant weight in the decision making process. Support for the development of renewable energy sources in appropriate locations is advocated in national energy and planning policy. The design of the wind farm has taken into account relevant studies from the independent consultants to ensure that any potential impacts on watercourses, archaeological remains and ecological habitats are avoided through appropriate positioning of infrastructure. The noise assessment confirms that the current noise guidelines will be satisfied, even when assessed under worst case conditions. The EIA studies are on-going and will be presented in full with the planning application. West Coast Energy Ltd has worked closely with the independent environment consultants in designing a scheme whereby the impacts are mitigated as the design of the wind farm evolves. Some of the figures produced by the EIA consultants will be available to view at this public exhibition.

7 B / Legen La W Transpo O O Proposed Transportation Route for Abnormal Loads BRAINT WIND FARM:/ AN ACCESSIBLE SITE Reproduced by permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of HMSO. Crown copyright and database rights All rights reserved Ordnance Survey licence number AL West Coast Energy) 0 3 Kilometres 6 9 Scale: 1:200, when reproduced A3 size The Braint Wind Farm is planned to be located on Anglesey, on land south of Rhoscefnhir and north east of Penmynydd. The estimated on-site construction period for the development will be about 6 months and this includes a programme to reinstate the working areas. There will be about 21 exceptional loads turbine components) coming into the site. Most will reduce trailer length for their return journey and this will therefore reduce their impact. The loads will normally be timed for off peak periods in order to avoid delays to other road users, and the vehicles will be escorted to the site by the police. The site has excellent transporation links and is directly served by A classified roads. It is expected that the exceptional loads will be transported to the site via the A55 at junction 8 and then to the site via the A5025 / Pentraeth Road. Where possible, it is intended that construction materials concrete, stone, aggregate, sand, cement) would be sourced from the nearest local suppliers to minimise transportation and further increase benefits to the local economy. Figure Site Lo Transp Drawn by Checked Approved

8 NEXT STEPS FOR BRAINT It is anticipated that a formal full planning application for Braint Wind Farm will be submitted in The precise date will be dependent upon feedback received at the public exhibition. WE VALUE YOUR OPINIONS: Please spare a moment to complete our short opinion survey. Also, please feel free to share any ideas that you may have on how the income from the community benefit package could make a positive contribution to your local community. Note that when the formal planning application is submitted, there will be a statutory period of consultation where representations can be submitted to the Isle of Anglesey County Council Planning Department. If you require further information or wish to provide feedback, please office@westcoastenergy.co.uk / 0 3 Kilometres 6

9 ONSHORE WIND AND YOUR ENERGY BILL Ofgem state that the average UK domestic electricity bill for 2010/2011 was 531 HOW MUCH OF MY HOUSEHOLD BILL IS HELPING TO FUND RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS? The Renewables Obligation is a UK Government support mechanism which promotes large scale renewable electricity projects. Ofgem estimates that the cost of this scheme this year is 21 out of your electricity bill, whilst the Feed-in-Tariff support scheme makes up 6 of your total bill 1 HOW MANY RENEWABLE OBLIGATION CERTIFICATES GO TOWARDS ONSHORE WIND IN THE UK? The diagram below shows the percentage breakdown of the Renewable Obligation Certificates ROC) for 2010/2011 issued to each of the renewable energy generation technologies 2 HOW MUCH OF MY HOUSEHOLD BILL GOES TOWARDS ONSHORE WIND PROJECTS? If the support offered to Onshore Wind through the Feed-in Tariff equals 0.34 out of your electricity bill 3, and the Renewables Obligation comes to 6.49, the estimated total cost of Onshore Wind to the average domestic electricity consumer between 2010 and 2011 was 6.83 We estimate that about 1.3% of your electricity bill contributes to the uptake of Onshore Wind. This is a small price to pay for providing greater local energy-security and a more stable climate for future generations to come. 1. Ofgem, FACTSHEET 81, Household Energy Bills Explained, Media/FactSheets/Documents1/household-bills.pdf 2. Ofgem, Renewables Obligation, Annual Report, Sustainability/Environment/RenewablObl/Documents1/Renewables%20Obligation%20 Annual%20Report% pdf 3. Ofgem, FIT Scheme, Annual Report, Environment/fits/Documents1/FITs%20Annual%20Report% pdf