An international renewable energy company is planning to investigate the feasability of a third wind farm in Powys.

Acciona Energy is investigating the potential for generating energy from wind on land north of Llanbrynmair. Wind farm protesters have greeted the news with dismay.

The company has submitted a planning application to site a 47-metre high wind monitoring mast on Mynydd Nantcarfan intended to gather “vital information to assess the possibility of generating clean and renewable energy”.

Mike Paffey, senior development manager of Acciona Energy, said: “There are several factors that we have to take account of when identifying potential sites for wind farm development. These include wind speeds, environmental considerations, ability to connect to the national electricity grid, as well as visual impact.”

The company is already investigating other sites in Powys and recently held public exhibitions outlining plans for wind farm developments at Waun Garno, near Carno, and on Mynydd y Cemmaes. The company hopes to submit planning applications for those later this year.

“With less than three years remaining for the Welsh Assembly Government to hit its targets for renewable generation by 2010, new sources of green energy need to be sourced urgently,” added Mr Palfrey.

But Dan Munford, from Welshpool, who has been campaigning against wind turbines across Wales, said: “This isn’t the answer. It isn’t going to help the environment and it certainly isn’t going to help our tourism industry.”