Porth Wen

The project has planning permission from Anglesey Council for a 49.99MW solar array farm. The scheme will include the installation of solar PV arrays at a maximum 3m in height which will connect to the national grid.

In addition to the PV solar panels themselves, the planning permission also allows for battery storage.

The Porth Wen solar project will be an important source of low carbon electricity and could meet the average annual domestic electricity requirements of up to 9,500 households.

The Porth Wen solar project will also support the Welsh Government to meet its decarbonisation targets, which are:

• Wales to be generating 70% of its electricity consumption from renewables by 2030
• Reduce carbon emissions by at least 95% by 2050, with an ambition to meet net zero carbon emissions

Environment

Ecological assessments as part of the development showed that there were no significant impacts but as part of the scheme there will be a mile long wildlife corridor and wildflower planting. These improvements will enhance biodiversity at the site.

The solar farm will be on 190 acres of land which will still be able to be used for sheep grazing. These improvements will allow for foraging, breeding opportunities and will provide shelter for a variety of wildlife.

Community

EDF Renewables is committed to delivering local benefits and working in partnership with local communities.

A community benefit fund has been agreed in the form of an annual £10,000 payment provided to two schools close to the Porth Wen development (Ysgol Gynradd Cemaes and Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones). In total, the proposal could deliver a potential community benefit contribution of £300,000 over the lifetime of the project.

Our goal is to support the schools during the development and over the operational life of our solar farm. The management and administration of the funds will require further engagement with the local community over the coming months.

Porth Wen Solar Timeline

• March 2018 – Planning permission approved by Anglesey Council after several years of development by Countryside Renewables Ltd (decision ref. 20C310B/EIA/RE)
• January 2021 – The Porth Wen project was acquired by EDF Renewables
• Summer 2021 – Environmental and ecological planning conditions discharge will get underway
• Early 2022 – Construction to begin
• 2023 – Full commissioning

*Load factors based on the five year rolling averages on unchanged configuration basis using Table 6.5 of ‘Digest of UK Energy Statistics’ – latest figures as per July 2020 release.