Porth Wen

Porth Wen received planning permission from Anglesey Council and is a 49.99MW solar array farm. The project includes the installation of solar PV arrays at a maximum 3m in height which 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 is 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.

Environment

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

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

Community

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

A community benefit fund is managed by Menter Môn, with funding decisions made by a panel of local people, ensuring that investments truly reflect community needs and priorities. To date, the fund has successfully backed a diverse range of initiatives, including community events, vibrant arts projects, and crucial refurbishments of local amenities. These investments directly contribute to the social fabric and infrastructure of the host communities. For more information visit: www.mentermon.com/en/porthwen/ 

An annual fund of £10,000 is also provided to two schools close to the Porth Wen  (Ysgol Gynradd Cemaes and Ysgol Syr Thomas Jones).

This year, Porth Wen Solar Farm also proudly supported and sponsored the hugely successful Urdd Eisteddfod on Ynys Môn. The festival was celebrated as the ‘greenest Urdd to date,’ experiencing record-breaking weather. The clean energy generated by Porth Wen Solar Farm undoubtedly played a role in powering the festival’s activities.

*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.