Energy Minister Brian Wilson: Expansion

Once built, it will supply nearly fifty per cent of the electricity needs of Ceredigion and one per cent of the needs of Wales.

The minister opened the �3.5m project at Parc Cynog near Pendine, west Wales.

The five turbine farm will produce enough energy for 4,000 homes

He said the �35m development at Cefn Croes will be the single largest windfarm in the UK.

It will result in savings of 150,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

"Wales is blessed with some of the finest energy rich natural sources in the world.

"I am confident that government, investors and the local community will work together to ensure that these assets are utilised to help reduce the effects of climate change," he said.

Pipeline extension

Later on Monday Mr Wilson is due to officially open a �12m gas pipeline scheme, which will enhance energy supplies across west Wales.

He will be joined by Nick Ainger, MP for Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire, in launching the new 20km pipeline.

Mr Wilson will open a pipeline valve near the village of Bancyfelin, near Carmarthen.

The west Wales gas pipeline, built by Transco, will connect up with the existing bulk supply system at Pontyates.

The pipeline will substantially increase the mains gas supply to homes west of Carmarthen, to meet growing demands.

Transco is now considering creating an extension of the new pipeline into Pembrokeshire within the next five years.

Wales is blessed with some of the finest energy rich natural sources in the world

Brian Wilson, Energy Minister

The project work has included tackling obstacles thrown up by nature, such as sending a 600mm pipe deep under the River Tywi to avoid damaging the local environment.

Transco regional asset manager Richard Robinson said the pipleline had been built "with the utmost regard for the countryside and landowners" along the route.

Mr Robinson said: "It is a major boost to the region's gas infrastructure and we are very pleased that the Energy Minister is able to officially mark the completion of such a gas engineering achievement." Pupils from three local primary schools will also attended the wind farm opening ceremony.

The schoolchildren revealed the five names from Welsh mythology they have given to the Parc Cynon turbines.