ERM has been appointed by Bute Energy to support the development of the Lan Fawr Energy Park project, with a proposed capacity of 368.5MW, in Mid Wales. The project could comprise up to 55 wind turbines. According to ERM, it is among the first to be brought forward under Wales' new infrastructure consenting regime. On the European wind supply chain side, another installation contract was recently announced: DEME wins contract to install 69 turbines at the Zeevonk offshore wind farm in the Netherlands.

A mandate centered on environmental assessment and communications

The consultancy will lead the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and the strategic communications programme as the project moves through the planning process. ERM has already developed the project's Scoping Report. The firm says it was selected for its strategic and technical expertise and its experience delivering complex infrastructure projects.

The proposed wind farm forms part of Bute Energy's plans to deliver renewable electricity in Wales. According to the developer, the project could generate benefits including job creation, support for local businesses, investment in skills and long-term community funding. These benefits remain potential, as the project is still at the proposal stage.

Statements from both companies

James Milner-Smith, development director at Bute Energy, says Lan Fawr Energy Park is "an important part of our ambition to help build a healthier, wealthier Wales powered by clean, home-grown renewable energy." He adds that the project has the potential to create jobs, support local businesses, invest in skills and provide long-term funding for community priorities through a community benefit fund.

Nick Hilton, ERM's capital project delivery lead for EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa), says the appointment reflects the relationship developed with Bute Energy during the early stages of project development. He notes that developers must navigate increasingly complex environmental, regulatory and stakeholder considerations. ERM says it looks forward to supporting Bute Energy in advancing the project, referred to as LFEP, and helping deliver environmental, economic and energy security benefits for Wales.