Menter Môn appointed as fund administrators for the Porth Wen Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund
EDF Renewables UK to invest £20,000 annually making the fund worth over half a million to the local host communities of Cemaes and Amlwch over the lifetime of the project
EDF Renewables UK has appointed Menter Môn as the administrator for their Porth Wen Solar Farm community benefit fund. This partnership marks an exciting milestone in the establishment of the Porth Wen Solar Farm Community Benefit Fund. EDF Renewables UK will invest £20,000 per year (index linked) over the lifetime of the solar farm to the fund which will be available for the local host communities of Cemaes and Amlwch as well as the two local schools. EDF Renewables UK pay all administrations costs for funds however Menter Mon will very generously donate this payment to the fund to further bolster the annual contribution.
The 49.99MW project located near Cemaes, Anglesey will also produce enough renewable energy for the equivalent domestic needs of up to 9,500 average* UK households per year. This significant contribution to clean energy will not only benefit the environment but also support the local community.
Menter Môn is a not for profit social enterprise that delivers projects and services on Ynys Môn and seeks to add value to the island’s resources for the benefit of local residents. Their first task will be to recruit a volunteer panel of local representatives who will play a key role in shaping the fund’s criteria and structure, evaluating funding applications, and steering the future direction of the fund.
Under the management of Menter Môn, the fund will be administered by a panel of representatives from the local host community areas. The panel will play a key role in ensuring that the fund is distributed in a manner that fully aligns with the needs of the communities of Cemaes and Amlwch who are hosting the Porth Wen Solar Farm.
Dafydd Gruffydd, Managing Director at Menter Môn said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the contract to administer the Porth Wen Solar Farm Community Fund.
The North of the Island has been in protracted decline for at least two decades. The lack of jobs has resulted in Welsh speaking work age people moving out with their families – leaving an ageing population and a struggling economy.
We are looking forward to working with the community, the Council and other partners to make sure the fund’s impact aligns with the needs and aspirations of the of the communities of Cemaes and Amlwch.”
Kerry MacPhee, EDF Renewables UK’s Community Liaison Officer said: “Menter Môn have been appointed following a transparent tender process. We are really excited to be working with them and look forward to seeing this fund start to benefit the solar farm’s neighbouring communities and two local schools. I would urge anyone with an interest in getting involved in the fund panel to consider making an application.”
Menter Môn are looking for people from all sorts of backgrounds and experiences who are willing to share their passion and enthusiasm to maximise the impact of this fund and contribute towards the community and its people.
You can find further information on the fund including more details about how to apply for project funds through Menter Mon’s website : Menter Môn – Home 2024 (mentermon.com)
Notes to Editors
Pictured L- R are Erin Thomas and Dafydd Dafydd Gruffydd from Menter Môn Lewis, Kerry MacPhee and Lewis Gray from EDF Renewables UK
*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.
About EDF Renewables UK
EDF Renewables UK and Ireland (www.edf-re.uk) is a subsidiary of EDF Group, one of the world’s largest low carbon electricity companies, and our investment and innovation is reducing costs for consumers and bringing significant benefits for communities.
With our operating portfolio of 47 renewable energy sites including battery, onshore and offshore wind (together totalling 1.5GW) we are providing much needed affordable, low carbon electricity. We have an expanding portfolio with almost 14GW of projects in planning and development, including wind, battery and solar PV.
In Wales, EDF Renewables UK has big ambitions including the Garn Fach Wind Farm in Mid Wales and Hirfynydd Energy Park in South Wales.
Our Welsh team has a wealth of experience in developing, building and operating renewable energy projects in Wales. We are proud to operate Llangwyryfon, our wind farm near Aberystwyth and the Cemmaes wind farm near Machynlleth as well as building Porth Wen solar project in North Anglesey.
