A SWANSEA Valley community renewable project, which has taken nearly two decades to complete, is celebrating the delivery of its wind turbines.

Awel Co-Op is an independent society which was set up in 2015 by Awel Aman Tawe, a community energy charity which aims to make difference to the lives of people at the top of the Swansea and Amman Valleys.

The community-owned Mynydd y Gwrhyd Wind Farm, five miles north of Pontardawe, will comprise two 60m turbines which were made by a Bridgend firm and have been delivered this week.

Awel Co-op’s project manager, Dan McCallum said: “It was fantastic to see the tower sections go through very quickly without a hitch.

“There were lots of people on the street watching the spectacle. It was an impressive sight.

“We’ve been working on the project for 18 years as local volunteers so we had to pinch ourselves to actually believe it is happening.”

Awel Co-op recently won a national award as the best community energy project in Wales and England and is holding a series of events to encourage people to invest.

The events will be held in the Welfare Hall in Ystradgynlais on October 17, Gwaun cae Gurwen Community Hall on October 19, Cwmllynfell Millennium Hall on October 24, Pontardawe Arts Centre on October 26 and Aelwyd in Brynaman on October 27. All the events take place at 7.30pm until 9pm.

Dan McCallum added: “There’ll be tea and Welsh cakes. It’s a chance to meet existing members of the co-op and ask any questions.

“There’ll be a presentation about the Share Offer and the wind farm. We hope people will invest in our project which tackles climate change, keeps money in the local economy, and enables further community energy projects to be developed.

“We want our wind farm to be owned by as many people as possible, it’s fantastic that you can co-own a wind farm from £50.

“Our Share Offer has already raised £1.34m which is the largest ever in Wales. As a co-op, it’s one member, one vote irrespective of how many shares someone owns.

“We are offering a return of 5 per cent to members which is much better than current bank rates and you’ll be able to see where your money is going.”

You can visit awel.coop for more information.