Planning permission for a prototype vertical axis wind turbine, under development by Wales-based precision engineering company C-FEC located in Swansea, was awarded by Neath Port Talbot council in February. Dulas, which supplied environmental and planning services in support of the proposal, estimates the installation of the turbine will be completed in April. 

The vertical axis wind turbine boasts design improvements over the standard three blade horizontal axis wind turbines so commonplace today, according to C-FEC.  The manufacturer claims that the vertical axis wind turbine can generate electricity at a lower price and will deal better with complex wind conditions. CFEC also claims the vertical axis wind turbine will be easier to manufacture, transport, install and maintain.