Awel y Môr
Proposed offshore wind farm in north Wales
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Awel y Môr is a proposed offshore wind farm located off the coast of north Wales, to the west of Gwynt y Môr. It will be located about 10 km (6.2 mi; 5.4 nmi) north of Rhyl, Denbighshire. It is expected to have between 34 and 50 turbines, with a maximum height of 331 m (1,086 ft), although the design is yet to be finalised.[1][2]
| Awel y Môr Offshore Wind Farm | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Official name | Awel y Môr Fferm Wynt Alltraeth |
| Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 53.491°N 3.611°W |
| Status | Proposed |
| Commission date | Expected 2030/2031 |
| Owner | RWE |
| Wind farm | |
| Type | Offshore |
| Site area | 78 km2 (30 sq mi) |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 775 MW (proposed) |
| External links | |
| Website | https://awelymor.cymru/ |
The project is being developed by RWE, in conjunction with SWM and Siemens Financial Services.[3] It is claimed by the developer that the project could create up to 2000 jobs during the construction phase.[1]
In January 2026, the project was awarded Contracts for Difference for 775 MW at £91.20/MWh (2024 prices), as part of the seventh Allocation Round.[3] This will be the first offshore wind farm built in Wales for 10 years.[1]
Development, planning and consenting
In August 2020, RWE Renewables submitted a scoping report for the project, proposing to build around another 100 turbines next to the Gwynt y Môr wind farm. Combined the two projects were slated to be "one of the biggest offshore wind farms in the world".[4]
In 2021, following public consultation, the project was scaled back to between 35 and 50 turbines, due to concerns about the visual impact.[5] Council officers gave four reasons to object to the scheme:
- Significant detriment to the seascape character and coastal views, from both the scale of individual turbines, and the extent of the project as a whole.
- Impact on tourism and recreation, give Llandudno's reputation as a 'traditional' resort.
- Detriment to heritage assets in Conwy, including the Llandudno Conservation Area and Llandudno Pier.
- Lack mitigation against adverse impact from construction.[6]
On 20 June 2022, an application to Natural Resources Wales for a marine licence for the wind farm. This was granted on 15 November 2023.[7]
In September 2023, consent for the project was granted by Claire Coutinho, the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.[2]
In May 2025, Awel y Môr was one of seven projects where the Crown Estate increased the lease capacity, to maximise the potential from existing sites.[8]