Rally opposing plans for solar farms to be held in Llangefni
The 160MW Alaw Môn and 350MW+ Maen Hir projects, developed by Enso Energy and BP Lightsource respectively, would see 3,700 acres of land (approximately 2 per cent of Ynys Môn's total land area) being taken up by solar farms.
This figure would not include the solar farms currently in operation on Anglesey
The scale of the projects means that the final decision on both will bypass Isle of Anglesey County Council, with a decision on the Alaw Môn project by expected from Welsh Government before the end of summer.
The final proposal for the Maen Hir project is expected to be submitted to the UK Government before the end of the year.
In a joint statement, Rhun ap Iorwerth MS and Llinos Medi MP (both Ynys Môn) said: 'We're looking forward to welcoming everyone with concerns about these projects to Llangefni on July 26.
Rhun ap Iorwerth MS and Llinos Medi MP (both Ynys Môn) (Image: Submitted) 'There's a strong feeling on Ynys Môn that these developments go against the interests of our communities and that the developers have shown little regard for the concerns raised.
'Solar has an important part to play in our effort to decarbonise, but industrial-scale projects like this on productive land will have a significant detrimental impact on communities and on the agriculture and tourism sectors whilst providing very little economic contribution locally and very few jobs.
'We continue to make the case to both UK and Welsh Governments to reject the proposals and back more innovative ways of developing solar and other renewable energy projects instead.
'We also encourage anyone who wants to learn more or who is concerned about these developments to join us in the community demonstration on July 26.'
Enso Energy and Lightsource BP were both approached for further comment.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business News Wales
an hour ago
- Business News Wales
Welsh Hospitality 'Risks Being Taxed Out of Existence By Business Rates Proposal'
UKHospitality is calling on the Welsh Government to extend business rates support to include hospitality, saying the sector 'risks being taxed out of existence'. A Welsh Government consultation on non-domestic rates is due to close on August 12. The Local Government Finance (Wales) Act 2024 provided the Welsh Government with the ability to introduce differential multipliers for Wales using regulations. The current consultation seeks views on the Welsh Government's proposals to introduce differential multipliers from 1 April 2026. The Welsh Government is proposing to introduce a lower multiplier for small to medium sized retailers. It says the proposal 'recognises the unique challenges faced by 'bricks and mortar' retail shops, not least through their exposure to competition from online retailers'. It says its proposal 'would also be expected to indirectly benefit other sectors of the high street economy, through the visitor footfall supported by the maintenance of a viable retail sector'. However UKHospitality Cymru says the proposals have 'sidelined the sector' and added that hospitality in Wales is now 'facing substantial and potentially damaging business rates hikes'. It said: 'That lack of support will mean a typical high street pub will be paying an extra £6,800 per year in business rates; a typical country hotel would see an increase of around £17,000 per year; and a city-centre hotel would see nearly £50,000 extra in costs. Some of Wales's finest accommodation attractions will see even bigger increases, damaging domestic, international and business tourism.' The trade association added that it is seeking 'optimal support to stall any proposed legislation to tax Welsh hospitality businesses out of existence'. It is calling for Welsh business leaders to join it in responding to the Welsh Government's consultation. David Chapman, Executive Director of UKHospitality Cymru, said: 'This is a critical issue that will threaten the very existence of pubs, bars, hotels and restaurants across the UK. 'Hospitality must, without a shadow of a doubt, be included in any and every business rates support package, if we are to avoid the sector being taxed out. Failing to recognise and implement support for hospitality would risk the Welsh Government undermining their policy objectives, effectively leading to the gutting of the high street as we know it. 'We urge all hospitality businesses across Wales, large or small, to back our calls for support from Government, by submitting their views to the Senedd before this crucial consultation closes on 12th August. 'It's vital that not only Welsh hospitality business receive business rates support, but also our counterparts in England and Scotland.'
Business News Wales
an hour ago
- Business News Wales
Apprenticeship Pathway 'Should Be Promoted as a Respected and Quality Option'
Schools, colleges, employers and the Welsh Government must work together to present apprenticeships as a strong start to a career, the Senedd's Economy Committee has concluded. The Committee heard evidence from apprentices and apprenticeship providers and has laid out recommendations for the Welsh Government to help people make better choices about their education and training in its latest report, Apprenticeship Pathways. The Committee believes that if the Welsh Government increases awareness and take-up of apprenticeships this will allow people to improve their skills and earning potential, building a more productive workforce and boosting the economy. Matt, who did an apprenticeship at Gower College, gave evidence to the Committee and said: 'The biggest issue is awareness. I had no idea apprenticeships existed, what they led to, or that they were equivalent to GCSEs. When I was unemployed, no one at the job centre mentioned them—and I never saw a poster or heard about them from employers either. 'I'm now a senior healthcare assistant, and I had to either have a Level 3 qualification or be willing to study for one. While senior management supported this, many line managers don't understand how apprenticeships work or how to support staff properly. 'These qualifications are ideal for people like me who left school with nothing. Through my apprenticeship with Gower College and support from Swansea Bay University Health Board, I gained GCSEs in Maths and English, new skills for my job, and I'm now studying for a nursing degree. It's taken me from no qualifications to university.' The Committee heard that many learners are not aware of alternative routes into employment and pursue further academic study even though they could be much happier, more successful and more suited to the vocational one. The Committee has laid out a number of recommendations for the Welsh Government on apprenticeship pathways, with calls for: Better engagement and promotion of apprenticeships as a viable education pathway for students The Welsh Government should work with schools, colleges and employers to present vocational courses as a good quality option Faster progress in developing a vocational education and training strategy Barriers to recruiting and retaining skilled assessors and apprenticeship trainers to be addressed Increases to pay for apprenticeships to be explored as part of the fair work agenda. Andrew RT Davies MS, Chair of the Senedd's Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee, said: 'For many people, apprenticeships can be an excellent choice. They combine learning earning, working and training. The apprentices who gave evidence were enjoying their courses and they are thriving as a result. 'However, we heard about many challenges facing people who want to do an apprenticeship, not least understanding and navigating the system itself. For young people, the academic route is clear, and schools work hard to signpost and encourage their learners to do A-levels and degrees, the same cannot be said for apprenticeships. 'We're calling on the Welsh Government to work with schools, colleges and employers to make sure that the apprenticeship pathway is promoted to everyone as a respected and quality option. 'There are huge benefits to apprentices, employers and the economy if we get this right in Wales.'
Business News Wales
an hour ago
- Business News Wales
Four Cymru Partners with Wales Tech Week to Champion Welsh Innovation
Four Cymru is joining forces with Wales Tech Week 2025 – the nation's largest international tech summit – to put Welsh innovation, talent and ambition firmly in the global spotlight, showcasing the strength of Wales's tech ecosystem and championing the industry on the world stage. Taking place from 24–26 November at the ICC Wales in Newport, the event will bring together tech innovators, investors, policy-makers, and leaders from across all sectors to connect, collaborate and do business. Powered by Technology Connected, Wales Tech Week positions Wales as a global hub for emerging technologies and investment. The event highlights how technology is being applied across every sector from energy and manufacturing to professional services and finance, helping businesses of all sizes adapt, innovate and grow. The summit aims to raise awareness, break down barriers and create accessible opportunities for sectors that are starting – or accelerating – their use of technology to improve performance, sustainability and competitiveness. Four Cymru, which is part of Four Agency, is supporting on strategic communications, brand storytelling and audience engagement to amplify the event's reach and impact. With offices in Cardiff, Aberystwyth, London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, Four said it was 'uniquely positioned to elevate Wales's tech ecosystem to international prominence'. A Welsh speaker from North Wales, Nan Williams, group chief executive of Four, said: 'Wales Tech Week showcases the very best of Wales on the world stage. 'Cymru is building a special place in the international technology ecosystem – small enough to be connected, ambitious enough to deliver worldwide innovation and with the passionate, hardworking 'DNA' to build the future as we built the past. At Wales Tech Week that all comes together as nowhere else. 'At Wales Tech Week you can experience the innovation, talent and ambition that make Wales a rising force in global tech. From world-firsts in compound semiconductors to cutting-edge cybersecurity, this is where international opportunity meets Welsh ingenuity.' Four will play a key role in ensuring that the voices and innovations of international tech leaders are heard far beyond the event itself. Through Four's Difference Makers initiative, showcasing individuals driving meaningful change in their sectors, Four has previously recognised Avril Lewis, managing director of Technology Connected as an influential figure shaping the future. Welcoming the partnership, Avril added: 'We're thrilled to have Four Cymru on board for Wales Tech Week 2025. Their expertise in strategic communications and international reach will be invaluable in helping us tell the story of Welsh innovation to the world. This partnership strengthens our mission to position Wales as a global leader in technology and innovation.' Wales Tech Week 2025 promises to be a landmark event, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, academics and policymakers to explore the future of technology and its impact on society, business and the economy. The event is free to attend, exploring three main themes of Tech for People, Tech for the Planet and Tech for Performance. For more information about Wales Tech Week 2025 and to book your place visit
