PLANS for another new windfarm in Powys have been revealed – but have already drawn concerns from local politicians.

Vattenfall, a leading energy company, has announced it is looking at a potential energy scheme near Llanfair Caereinion, which could involve wind turbines, solar panels and energy storage options.

Vattenfall says that as many as 14 wind turbines at the site, between Talerddig and Llanerfyl could produce enough electricity annually to power 77,500 homes in Wales.

Previous plans for the site, at Mynydd Lluest y Graig, were shelved in 2013 but are now being reconsidered based on latest changes to the technology involved in windfarms, ahead of a consultation in the autumn.

Jonathan Hewett, Vattenfall’s project manager for the scheme said: “We’re looking forward to talking to the local community about this renewable energy scheme and seeing what the full potential of the project could be.

“The amount of investment planned through this scheme could be transformative by supporting communities at a grass roots level to reduce their energy bills, invest in the local economy over the long term and build a real benefit from hosting the project.

“Plans are at a very early stage, and later this year we’ll send out information to local homes inviting them to come along and get involved in more detailed plans and designs for the project.”

The plans come shortly after new plans for Garn Fach near Newtown were formally sent to the Welsh Government, and both proposals have drawn criticisms from local politicians.

The Welsh Conservative MP and MS for Montgomeryshire, Craig Williams and Russell George, have both expressed their concerns.

Mr Williams said: “I have multiple concerns about the (Llanfair) proposals, which would include the erection of 14, 200-meter-high wind turbines.

“Such developments, alongside other applications like Garn Fach, would almost certainly require grid connection.

“I am seeking an urgent meeting with UK Ministers to gain clarification over Government policies regarding these proposals, given that there is no current grid capacity and which would therefore trigger National Grid intervention.

“These proposals would bring years of stress and disruption to our communities, blighting our wonderous landscapes with large turbines and pylons, which will be driven through localities in Mid Wales.

“Montgomeryshire’s residents have already been unanimous in their opposition to large pylon infrastructure.”

Russell George MS added: “I can’t support a windfarm development proposal without knowing how the generated energy is going to be connected to the National Grid.

“Residents across Mid Wales have expressed their views on large pylon infrastructure.

“We know that such infrastructure would be bad for the local tourism industry.

“Our landscapes are our unique selling point, and any proposals, such as those we had from National Grid a decade ago, will once again be firmly rejected.”