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Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
North Wales Clean Energy Infrastructure Project Gets Underway
North Wales Clean Energy Infrastructure Project Gets Underway The Cydnerth project, which will support the expansion of the Morlais tidal energy scheme, has moved into its construction phase, marking a major milestone for the North Wales low-carbon economy. Work has begun on-site at Parc Cybi, Holyhead, to strengthen the grid infrastructure for Morlais, a flagship tidal energy project run by local social enterprise, Menter Môn Morlais Ltd. Backed by the North Wales Growth Deal and funding from both the Welsh and UK Governments, the £16 million Cydnerth project will futureproof Morlais by increasing its grid capacity from 18MW to an eventual 240MW. Initial construction will involve the installation of underground cables to transmit clean electricity from the Morlais substation from the coast at Ynys Lawd (South Stack) to the national grid. Cllr. Gary Prichard, Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council and Lead Member for Low Carbon Energy Programme, said: 'This is a significant milestone for Morlais and North Wales. The project can now leverage Growth Deal funding to ensure its expansion, enabling economic opportunities, strengthening local supply chains and supporting local jobs. It will ensure North Wales is a key player in the future of tidal energy and clean electricity.' Andy Billcliff, Chief Executive of Menter Môn Morlais Ltd, added: 'This is an important and welcome step toward realising the full potential of Ynys Môn's tidal resources and establishing the area as a hub for sustainable energy. The work at Parc Cybi is crucial to that goal. As a local organisation, we're committed to delivering economic benefits for our community, while safeguarding the environment. We are grateful for Growth Deal support through Ambition North Wales which is essential as we progress Morlais.' North Wales-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has secured the contract for the construction and cabling work for Cydnerth. Contracts Director for Jones Bros, Eryl Roberts, added: 'We're pleased to have been appointed to deliver Cydnerth, the next phase of infrastructure for Morlais, such an innovative renewable scheme right here on our doorstep here in North Wales. As with all our projects, we pride ourselves in providing local supply chain and employment opportunities and are excited to be working on site to deliver this important scheme.' Cydnerth is part of the North Wales Growth Deal's Low Carbon Energy Programme, which represents a £1 billion investment in the region's economy, with £240 million of this funded jointly by the Welsh and UK Governments. Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said: 'The start of construction on the Cydnerth project represents another major milestone in North Wales' journey to becoming a renewable energy powerhouse. Backed by Welsh Government funding through the North Wales Growth Deal, this will unlock the full potential of Morlais tidal energy and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the low-carbon transition. 'By increasing grid capacity from 18MW to 240MW, we're not just supporting clean energy generation – we're creating lasting economic opportunities and high-quality jobs for local communities.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'It is great news that this major infrastructure project in Holyhead is now underway. The Cydnerth project helps cement North Wales's growing reputation as a clean energy hub. 'I'm delighted that UK Government funding is supporting the project and helping us deliver our clean energy and economic growth missions.'
North Wales Chronicle
15-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
Leader Live
15-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
Rhyl Journal
15-07-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
North Wales Chronicle
10-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Morlais scheme highlights expansion at national conference
Ambition North Wales welcomed the recognition given to its Cydnerth project at the Marine Energy Wales conference. The project is an investment in the Morlais tidal energy scheme, which is run by social enterprise Menter Môn. It forms part of the North Wales Growth Deal and aims to support the expansion of Morlais, which is located off the northwest coast of Ynys Cybi (Holy Island), Anglesey. (Image: Supplied) The project will deliver benefits such as driving economic growth, creating high-quality jobs, and ensuring North Wales is a key player in the future of tidal energy and the generation of clean electricity. The First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said: "I'm pleased to announce that Ambition North Wales and Menter Môn Morlais have agreed funding terms in principle for the Cydnerth project. "This £8.9 million investment through the North Wales Growth Deal, which is funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, will futureproof Morlais. "The North Wales Growth Deal investment will now enable the scheme's 18 megawatts grid capacity to increase over time to 240 megawatts." The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, also backed the project saying: "The UK Government is supportive of the Morlais project, which promises to harness tidal energy and generate high-quality jobs in our coastal communities. "As part of our clean energy mission, we have increased the tidal stream ringfenced budget by 50 per cent which will maximise the opportunities for tidal energy in North Wales and drive economic growth." (Image: Supplied) Councillor Mark Pritchard, chair of Ambition North Wales and leader of Wrexham County Borough Council, said: "The significance of Cydnerth can't be understated. "As the largest consented tidal scheme in Europe, the positive impact and benefits it will bring are substantial, and it will cement our region's place as a leader in tidal energy." Councillor Gary Pritchard, lead member for Ambition North Wales' Low Carbon Energy Programme and leader of Isle of Anglesey County Council, said: "Cydnerth is very positive news for the marine energy sector in Wales and reinforces our region's commitment to a sustainable future – creating the right kind of jobs alongside environmental benefits." Dafydd Gruffydd, managing director of Menter Môn, said: "We are grateful to Ambition North Wales for their investment and continued support through the Cydnerth project. "Through this support from the North Wales Growth Deal we can now take the next step in expanding the Morlais tidal energy scheme, bringing benefits to our communities, creating local jobs, local supply chain opportunities and contributing to the region's sustainable growth."
