Mynydd Gorddu Wind Farm is located near Tal-y-bont, Ceredigion, West Wales. The wind farm consists of 19 turbines and has a combined maximum output of 10.2 megawatts (MW).

Development, Construction and Operation

Mynydd Gorddu Wind Farm was developed by Trydan Gwynt Cyfyngedig - a company that was initially owned by a local family, Dr Dafydd Huws and Mrs Rhian Huws. npower renewables was involved in the early stages but in 1993 ceased to be involved with the project.

In 1997 however, npower renewables agreed to assume responsibility for the financing and construction of the wind farm. Trydan Gwynt Cyfyngedig became a co-operative venture between npower renewables and the Huws family company, Amgen. Dr Huws and his company Amgen have, and will continue to have, a leading role in the development of the wind farm and its operation.

The wind farm consists of two different sizes of three-bladed turbines; 7 of the turbines are each rated at 600 kilowatts (kW) with a hub height of 34 metres (m) and a full rotor diameter of 43m. The other 12 are rated at 500kW each with a hub height of 35m and full rotor diameter of 41m.

The rotors on both turbine sizes turn at an approximate speed of 30 revolutions per minute (rpm), driving a gearbox within the nacelle which is in turn connected to a generator. The turbines start to generate electricity automatically when the wind speed reaches around 11 miles per hour (mph), and achieve maximum output at around 33 mph. They shut down when the wind speed exceeds 56 mph.

Electricity Generation

Electricity produced by the wind turbines flows along underground cables to a sub-station located on the site. An existing 33kV line, supported by wooden poles that runs between Bow Street and Machynlleth was deviated through the sub-station to carry the clean electricity to the local electricity grid network for use in local homes, schools and businesses.

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