{"id":330052,"date":"2023-11-23T10:36:23","date_gmt":"2023-11-23T10:36:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/?post_type=project&p=330052"},"modified":"2026-01-06T08:38:48","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T08:38:48","slug":"maen-hir-solar-energy-storage-english","status":"publish","type":"project","link":"https:\/\/sandbox.lightsourcebp.com\/nz\/project\/maen-hir-solar-energy-storage-english\/","title":{"rendered":"Maen Hir Solar and Energy Storage (English)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Maen Hir Solar and Energy Storage<\/h1>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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The Programme Document<\/a> contains a comprehensive timetable of the applicant\u2019s pre-application process. The document has been prepared in line with published guidance; Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: 2024 Pre-application Prospectus, and Planning Act 2008: Pre-application stage for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects.<\/p>\n\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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The project<\/h2>\n

Prosiect Maen Hir is a solar and energy storage project with a generation capacity of 360 megawatts (MW) alternating current (AC). This means it could produce enough clean energy to power over 140,000 homes (equivalent) and avoid over 70,000 tonnes of CO2 annually.<\/p>\n

The Project will deliver economic, community, and environmental benefits, and in doing so, play a key part in the Isle of Anglesey County Council\u2019s Energy Island Programme.<\/p>\n

The Project would also make a contribution to the Welsh Government\u2019s targets to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and to generate approximately 70% of electricity from renewable sources.<\/p>\n

The Solar PV site comprises approximately 1,284 hectares (ha) across three parcels:<\/p>\n

\u2022 Gogledd Maen Hir (Maen Hir North) \u2013 comprises land near Rhosgoch and Bodewryd
\n\u2022 Canol Maen Hir (Maen Hir Central) \u2013 comprises land around the northern and eastern periphery of Llyn Alaw
\n\u2022 De Maen Hir \u2018A\u2019 a \u2018B\u2019 (Maen Hir South A and B) \u2013 comprises land to the north-east and south-east of Llannerchymedd<\/p>\n

The land predominantly consists of agricultural fields used for grazing, with an area of brownfield land within Maen Hir North close to Rhosgoch, which was formerly an oil depot.<\/p>\n

The Project also includes a 5MWp* Community Solar Project. The income generated from this would be used to finance projects that directly benefit local communities and the environment, which may include supplementing existing infrastructure and creating new recreational spaces.<\/p>\n

The Former Oil Depot is proposed as the preferred location for the Community Solar Project and Energy Storage. The Project may involve infrastructure improvements at the brownfield site that could help unlock its development potential and support future employment opportunities.<\/p>\n

At this stage, our design is indicative. Some elements shown on the masterplan may change based on the feedback we receive during consultation.<\/p>\n

The project will have an operational life of up to 60 years. During the operational phase, the land under and around the solar panels will remain grassland and be managed by grazing or mowing to protect soil resources and agricultural land quality. At the end of the operational phase, the project will be decommissioned, and the land returned to its original conditions.<\/p>\n

*MWp is the maximum capacity (peak) of installed MW DC solar capacity<\/p>\n\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Project Location<\/h2>\n\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n
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How a Solar Farm Works<\/h3>\n

Solar farms capture sunlight to generate electricity, which is fed into the National Grid via a substation. Electricity generated can also be stored in batteries and fed into the grid during times of peak demand. The operational areas of the site are enclosed by security fencing to ensure safety for both the site and the local community. Security measures like CCTV will be in place, although the site will not be lit at night.<\/p>\n

The solar panels are arranged in rows and connected by cables that transfer the electricity produced to inverters.<\/p>\n

Inverters are essential to convert the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is the type of electricity used in homes and businesses. The 33kV parcel substations collect the electricity generated, and the 132kV project substation increases its voltage before transmitting it to the National Grid substation.<\/p>\n

Battery storage plays a key role in holding electricity during times of low demand and releasing it when it\u2019s needed most.<\/p>\n

Inverters may be positioned beneath the solar panels or in designated areas. These areas also house equipment like switchgear, which manage the electrical systems, and transformers, which increase the voltage to the required level for transmission to the substation.<\/p>\n

Underground cables are used to connect different parts of the solar farm and transport electricity to the National Grid substation.<\/p>\n

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Benefits of the project<\/h3>\n

The Project offers a wide range of benefits to the local community and the regional economy, including employment opportunities, environmental improvements, and long-term social advantages.<\/p>\n\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Economic and Employment Benefits<\/h4>\n
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The Project will create significant opportunities for local job creation and economic growth. During the construction phase, around 1,320 jobs are expected to be generated directly by the project. During the operational phase the Project will support up to 12 full time roles. These roles will range from specialist and highly skilled positions to general labour, providing a broad spectrum of employment. Additionally, the local economy will benefit from indirect jobs, supported through the supply chains.<\/p>\n

By partnering with local educational institutions like Gr\u0175p Llandrillo Menai and Bangor University, the Project will also contribute to skills development in the renewable energy sector, ensuring lasting benefits for the community. More details on these initiatives are included in our Preliminary Employment and Skills Strategy (PESS) within the consultation materials.<\/p>\n

The Project will also benefit local agricultural activities. It will provide an additional income stream to local farms, as they continue vital farming activities such as sheep grazing. This additional revenue helps to support the continuation of agricultural activities on Anglesey, benefiting the local farming community while maintaining the rural character of the area.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n

Energy Security and Infrastructure Improvements<\/h4>\n
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By improving the reliability of the national power supply, Prosiect Maen Hir will contribute to regional energy independence and security. This will help safeguard the region\u2019s power needs while supporting the transition to renewable energy sources.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the Project supports the Isle of Anglesey County Council\u2019s Energy Island Programme and will contribute to national net zero targets.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Environmental and Biodiversity Benefits<\/h4>\n
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The Project aims to enrich the local environment by enhancing biodiversity, creating new wildlife habitats. Alongside this, the Project will maintain agricultural activities such as livestock grazing. These efforts will promote the health of the local ecosystem and contribute to the wider goal of environmental sustainability.<\/p>\n

The restoration of traditional landscape features, such as cloddiau (stone-faced earth banks), will help reinforce the character and culture of the region, while also supporting biodiversity. By integrating agriculture, wildlife habitat creation and biodiversity enhancement, the Project will ensure that Anglesey\u2019s unique environment is preserved and improved for future generations. More details on Environmental and Biodiversity benefits can be found in the Preliminary Environmental Information Report<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n

Community and Social Benefits<\/h4>\n
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The Project provides a range of significant benefits for the local community, including the potential to deliver a 5MWp community solar project. The income generated from this project will be allocated to local initiatives and environmental projects, providing long-term support for community programs.<\/p>\n

The Project also aims to improve recreational and amenity resources for the local community and visitors. The Project will explore opportunities to enhance existing public rights of way, making them more accessible and enjoyable for all users. These improvements could provide lasting benefits to the local community by promoting well-being and enhancing the quality of life. More details on Environmental and Biodiversity benefits can be found in the Collaborative Benefits Report.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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The Planning Process<\/h2>\n

Prosiect Maen Hir is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) because it is proposed to have a generating capacity of more than 350 MW.<\/p>\n\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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Development Consent Order (DCO) process<\/h3>\n
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This means that, to build Maen Hir, we will apply for a Development Consent Order (DCO). DCO applications are submitted to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) and made to the Secretary of State for the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). The DCO application will be subject to an examination by one or more Inspectors who will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State as to whether development consent should be granted or not. The final decision rests with the Secretary of State. More information regarding the DCO process is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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Public Consultation<\/h2>\n

Community feedback is crucial in helping us shape the Project and ensure it reflects local needs and priorities. We welcome your feedback on various elements of the Project, such as the site layout, environmental considerations, and community benefits. <\/p>\n

Before submitting DCO application, we must carry out statutory consultation in accordance with the Planning Act 2008. Details on how we are consulting are set out in our Statement of Community Consultation (\u2018SoCC\u2019), which you can find in the documents section <\/p>\n\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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What we\u2019re consulting on<\/h3>\n
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During the statutory consultation, we welcomed and considered feedback on all aspects of the Project and invited comments on the following:<\/p>\n