Hillwalkers and environmentalists in Wales should be bracing themselves for a new round of on-shore windfarm planning applications, and a new nuclear power station.

The Infrastructure Planning Commision (IPC) has revealed details of seven new energy projects in various parts of Wales.

Planning applications will be submitted over the next two years.

Announcing the plans at a stakeholder event in Cardiff, the chair of IPC, Sir Michael Pitt, said at least five new on-shore windfarm applications for locations across the principality are to be submitted during 2010.

The IPC also expects to receive a proposal for a resource recovery plant at Brig y Cwm, Merthyr Tydfil in 2010, and an application for a new nuclear power station at Wylfa in Anglesey in 2011.

The areas where the new windfarms will be targeted include Llanllwni in Carmarthenshire, Nant-y-Moch in Ceredigion, Clocaenog in Denbighshire, Dyfnant Forest in Powys and Brechfa in Camarthenshire.

“The IPC provides better opportunities for local communities to have their say on national infrastructure and we will ensure that all parties are heard,” said Sir William. “The IPC must establish the local impact of a project and weigh this against the national interest. These are significant proposals and it is crucial that communities take up the opportunities to have their say.”

He also outlined how the IPC will work with the Welsh Assembly Government (WAG) and other consenting bodies to decide nationally significant infrastructure project applications in Wales.