Jones Bros Awarded Major Contract for Carno III Wind Farm Infrastructure in Mid Wales
The Carno III Wind Farm project team
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has been appointed as the principal contractor for the Carno III Wind Farm project in Powys, marking the first major wind farm development in mid Wales in nearly ten years. The contract, valued at £46.5 million, forms part of the wider £100 million Carno III initiative, which will feature 10 turbines with a combined capacity of 45MW.
The Carno III Wind Farm is expected to generate renewable electricity sufficient to power around 46,000 homes annually, while reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 65,000 tonnes of CO2. This development will complement the existing Carno I and Carno II wind farms, which together with Carno III will total 78 turbines and nearly 100MW of installed capacity. Collectively, these sites will provide £250,000 each year in community benefit payments to the mid Wales region.
Jones Bros’ responsibilities include critical grid reinforcement work involving the installation of 20 kilometres of underground cabling between Welshpool substation and a connection point south of Abermule. This will strengthen the existing 132kV grid system managed by SP Energy Networks (SPEN). The contractor will also construct turbine foundations, build a new on-site substation and control building, undertake cabling operations, upgrade over 4.4 kilometres of existing access tracks, develop 4.7 kilometres of new tracks, and improve local highways to support the delivery of materials.
The last wind farm to become fully operational in mid Wales was Garreg Lwyd, which began generating power in spring 2017. Rhys Roberts, senior contract manager at Jones Bros, who will lead a team of up to 90 workers including apprentices, described the project as a “landmark moment for mid Wales after a lengthy period without any new significant wind farm developments.” He added: “Having delivered Clocaenog Forest Wind Farm, our highly skilled team is looking forward to helping bring Carno III to fruition. We were the principal contractors on Carno II back in 2009 for Amegni, so this is something of a full circle moment for us as a company, and one we are proud to be involved in. It’s also our highest value wind farm contract in Wales to date, highlighting the importance placed on renewable energy.”
Jones Bros plans to engage the local supply chain extensively and implement social value initiatives throughout the construction phase. Work has already begun on site, with completion anticipated in autumn 2027.
Sion Thomas, director of Amegni Renewables, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, stating: “We are pleased to once again be working with Jones Bros on this very exciting project. Carno III Wind Farm meets the Welsh Government’s aspirations for renewable energy across the board. With its local ownership and more than £50 million of contracts awarded to Welsh-based businesses and individuals, the project will make a significant contribution to the mid Wales economy and the whole country’s renewable energy targets.” He further urged the new Plaid Cymru Government to support similar projects through the planning system and promote necessary grid upgrades in mid Wales to facilitate economic growth. “Carno III is a good example of what can be achieved when investment in renewable energy also delivers meaningful local economic benefits,” he added.
Amegni Renewables, a company formed by farmers from Carno, currently operates the Carno I and Carno II wind farms and developed Carno III with a focus on retaining benefits within the local community. The Carno III site will include over 350 hectares dedicated to habitat enhancement and peat restoration. The development also features significant improvements to the local public rights of way network and a community benefit package exceeding £3.5 million over the wind farm’s operational life.
Founded in the 1950s, Jones Bros owns one of the UK’s largest plant fleets and employs around 550 people. The company is engaged in projects across various sectors including highways, flood and marine defence, reservoirs, waste management, and renewable energy throughout the UK. Its award-winning apprenticeship scheme has contributed significantly to its workforce, with many senior managers having started their careers as apprentices or trainees. Over the years, Jones Bros has recruited hundreds of apprentices.
