Maen Hir Solar and Energy Storage
The project
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.
The Project will deliver economic, community, and environmental benefits, and in doing so, play a key part in the Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Energy Island Programme.
The Project would also make a contribution to the Welsh Government’s targets to achieve Net Zero by 2050 and to generate approximately 70% of electricity from renewable sources.
The Solar PV site comprises approximately 1,284 hectares (ha) across three parcels:
• Gogledd Maen Hir (Maen Hir North) – comprises land near Rhosgoch and Bodewryd
• Canol Maen Hir (Maen Hir Central) – comprises land around the northern and eastern periphery of Llyn Alaw
• De Maen Hir ‘A’ a ‘B’ (Maen Hir South A and B) – comprises land to the north-east and south-east of Llannerchymedd
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.
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.
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.
At this stage, our design is indicative. Some elements shown on the masterplan may change based on the feedback we receive during consultation.
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.
*MWp is the maximum capacity (peak) of installed MW DC solar capacity
Project Location
How a Solar Farm Works
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.
The solar panels are arranged in rows and connected by cables that transfer the electricity produced to inverters.
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.
Battery storage plays a key role in holding electricity during times of low demand and releasing it when it’s needed most.
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.
Underground cables are used to connect different parts of the solar farm and transport electricity to the National Grid substation.
Benefits of the project
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.
Economic and Employment Benefits
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.
By partnering with local educational institutions like Grŵp 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.
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.
Energy Security and Infrastructure Improvements
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’s power needs while supporting the transition to renewable energy sources.
Additionally, the Project supports the Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Energy Island Programme and will contribute to national net zero targets.
Environmental and Biodiversity Benefits
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.
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’s 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
Community and Social Benefits
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.
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.
The Planning Process
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.
Development Consent Order (DCO) process
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.
Public Consultation
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.
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 (‘SoCC’), which you can find in the documents section.
What we’re consulting on
During the statutory consultation, we will welcome and consider feedback on all aspects of the Project, and will invite comments on the following:
- The Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR), which details the results and presentation of our preliminary environmental assessments and associated mitigation
- Proposed longer term operational features, such as how the Project might look to, and be experienced by, near neighbours
- Proposed shorter term temporary features, such as plans for construction
- Potential benefits associated with the Project, such as the opportunity for a 5MW community solar project which may include opportunities to improve green infrastructure or recreational opportunities within the Project site
Consultation dates
Statutory consultation on the Project will take place between Wednesday 02 October and Friday 15 November 2024. We are sharing detailed information about the Project so anyone interested can submit their views for consideration.
Information Events
As part of the statutory consultation, we are holding eight in-person information events and two online community webinars to give you the opportunity to speak directly with members of the Project team, in both Welsh and English, and ask any questions you may have. Details of the information events and webinars can be found here.
How to take part
We welcome your feedback on our Project. You can submit your comments in the following ways:
- Submitting an online feedback form
- Completing a paper copy feedback form, which can be submitted at an in-person information event or returned via the Project freepost address
- Sending an email to: maenhir@lightsourcebp.com
- Providing comments in writing and posting them free-of-charge, to FREEPOST MAEN HIR PROJECT
Your feedback is important to us and will be carefully considered as we develop the design of the Project.
- Wednesday 09 October 2024, 13:00-19:30 – Llangefni, Llangefni Town Hall, Bulkeley Square, Llangefni, LL77 7LR
- Fri 11 October 2024, 13:30-19:30 – Llanddyfnan, Talwrn Village Hall, Talwrn, LL77 7SU
- Thurs 17 October 2024, 13:30-19:30 – Tref Alaw, Llanddeusant Village Hall, Llanddeusant, Holyhead, LL65 4AA
- Fri 18 October 2024, 13:30-19:30 – Amlwch, Amlwch War Memorial Hall, 18 Market Street, Amlwch, LL68 9ET
- Sat 19 October 2024, 10:00-14:00 – Llanbadrig, David Hughes Village Hall,High Street, Cemaes, LL67 0HL
- Tues 22 October 2024, 18:00-19:00 – Online (Cymraeg), Zoom – register to attend
- Sat 26 October 2024, 10:00-14:00 – Llannerchymedd, The Centre, Llannerchymedd Community School, Llannerchymedd, LL71 8DP
- Mon 28 October 2024, 13:30-19:30 – Mechell, Llanfechell School Community Centre, Mountain Road, Llanfechell, LL68 0SA
- Tues 29 October 2024,13:30-19:30 – Rhosybol, Rhosybol School Community Centre, Rhosybol, Amlwch, LL68 9PP
- Weds 30 October 2024, 18:00-19:00 – Online (English), Zoom – register to attend
Next steps
Once this second stage of consultation ends, we will carefully review all the feedback we have received alongside the findings from our ongoing assessments to finalise the proposal for Prosiect Maen Hir.
Once the proposal is ready, we will submit our application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS). We currently anticipate submitting the application towards the end of 2025.
Further Opportunities to Share Your Views
After our application is submitted and accepted, you will have the opportunity to register your interest with the Planning Inspectorate directly. The Planning Inspectorate will keep you informed about the progress of the application during the examination phase and notify you of any further opportunities to contribute to the process.
Document Library
- Community Consultation Documents
-
Preliminary Environmental Report (PEIR) Non-Technical Summary (NTS)
PEIR Non-Technical Summary (NTS)
PEIR NTS Figure 1-1 Project Location
PEIR NTS Figure 2-1 PEIR Boundary
PEIR NTS Figure 5-1 Parameter Plan Overview
PEIR NTS Figure 6-1 LVIA Study Area
PEIR NTS Figure 6-2 Statutory Designated Sites
PEIR NTS Figure 6-3 Non Statutory Designated Sites Sheet 1
PEIR NTS Figure 6-3 Non Statutory Designated Sites Sheet 2
PEIR NTS Figure 6-3 Non Statutory Designated Sites Sheet 3
PEIR NTS Figure 6-3 Non Statutory Designated Sites Sheet 4
PEIR NTS Figure 6-3 Non Statutory Designated Sites Sheet 5
PEIR NTS Figure 6-4 Designated Historic Assets Sheet 1
PEIR NTS Figure 6-4 Designated Historic Assets Sheet 2
PEIR NTS Figure 6-5 Construction Vehicle Routing and Constraints
PEIR NTS Figure 6-6 Watercourses and Flood Risk Sheet 1
PEIR NTS Figure 6-6 Watercourses and Flood Risk Sheet 2
- Preliminary Environmental Report (PEIR) Volume I – Main Report
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Preliminary Environmental Report (PEIR) Volume II – Figures
Figure 5-1 Parameter Plan Overview
Figure 5-2 Parameter Plan Maen Hir North
Figure 5-3 Parameter Plan Maen Hir Central
Figure 5-4 Parameter Plan Maen Hir South
Figure 5-5 Field Numbering Maen Hir North
Figure 5-6 Field Numbering Maen Hir Central
Figure 5-7 Field Numbering Maen Hir South
Figure 6-4i LANDMAP Geological
Figure 6-4iii LANDMAP Visual and Sensory
Figure 6-5 Amenity and Recreation
Figure 6-6 Designated Landscapes
Figure 6-8 ZTV_Maen Hir Central
Figure 6-10 ZTV Viewpoints Overall
Figure 6-11 ZTV BESS Substation
Figure 6-15 Specific Viewpoints
Figure 7-1 Statutory Designated Sites Wider Area
Figure 7-2 Statutory Designated Sites
Figure 7-3 Non Statutory Designated Sites compressed
Figure 7-3 Non Statutory Designated Sites Sheet 1
Figure 7-3 Non Statutory Designated Sites Sheet 2
Figure 7-3 Non Statutory Designated Sites Sheet 3
Figure 7-3 Non Statutory Designated Sites Sheet 4
Figure 7-3 Non Statutory Designated Sites Sheet 5
Figure 8-1 Maen Hir North and Central – Designated historic assets
Figure 8-2 Maen Hir South A & B – Designated historic assets
Figure 9-1 Transport and Access Study Area
Figure 9-2 Construction Vehicle Routing and Constraints
Figure 9-3 Public Rights of Way and Cycle Route Overview
Figure 12-1 Predictive ALC Mapping
Figure 13-1 Water Resources Study Area S2 P03_reduced
Figure 13-2 Maen Hir North Watercourses S2 p03
Figure 13-3 Maen Hir Central Watercourses S2 P03
Figure 13-4 Maen Hir South A Watercourses S2 P03
Figure 13-5 Maen Hir South B Watercourses S2 P03
Figure 13-6 Maen Hir North FMfP S2 P03
Figure 13-7 Maen Hir Central FMfP S2 P03
Figure 13-8 Maen Hir South A FMfP S2 P03
Figure 13-9 Maen Hir South B FMfP S2 P03
Figure 13-10 Maen Hir North SW and Watercourses S2 P03
Figure 13-11 Maen Hir Central SW and Watercourses S2 P03
Figure 13-12 Maen Hir South A SW and Watercourses S0 P03
Figure 13-13 Maen Hir South B SW and Watercourses S2 P03
Figure 13-14 WFD River Waterbody Catchments S2 P03
Figure 13-15 Maen Hir North DAM S2 P03
Figure 13-16 Maen Hir Central DAM S2 P03
Figure 13-17 Maen Hir South A DAM S2 P03
Figure 13-18 Maen Hir South B DAM
Figure 16-1 Socio-economic Study Areas
Figure 17-2 Health Study Areas
Figure 17-3 Community Facilities
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Preliminary Environmental Report (PEIR) Volume III – Appendices
PEIR Appendix 2-1 Scoping Opinion Request
PEIR Appendix 2-2 Scoping Opinion
PEIR Appendix 2-3 Scoping Opinion Response
PEIR Appendix 4-1 Design Principles and Project Outcomes_Part1
PEIR Appendix 4-1 Design Principles and Project Outcomes_Part2
PEIR Appendix 5-1 Project Parameters and Offsets
PEIR Appendix 6-1 LVIA Methodology
PEIR Appendix 6-2 LVIA Legislation, Planning Policy and Guidance
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part1
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part2
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part3
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part4
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part5
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part6
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part7
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part8
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part9
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part10
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part11
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part12
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part13
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part14
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part15
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part16
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part17
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part18
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part19
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part20
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part21
PEIR Appendix 6-3 Extracts of NLCAs, LCAs and LANDMAP_Part22
PEIR Appendix 6-4 Amenity and Recreation Assessment
PEIR Appendix 6-5 Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation
PEIR Appendix 6-6 Summary Landscape and Visual Effects Schedule
PEIR Appendix 7-1 Ecological Legislative Context and Policy
PEIR Appendix 7-2 Habitat Report_Part1
PEIR Appendix 7-2 Habitat Report_Part2
PEIR Appendix 7-2 Habitat Report_Part3
PEIR Appendix 7-3 Great Crested Newt Report_Part1
PEIR Appendix 7-3 Great Crested Newt Report_Part2
PEIR Appendix 7-4 Ornithology_Part1
PEIR Appendix 7-4 Ornithology_Part2
PEIR Appendix 7-4 Ornithology_Part3
PEIR Appendix 7-4 Ornithology_Part4
PEIR Appendix 7-4 Ornithology_Part5
PEIR Appendix 7-4 Ornithology_Part6
PEIR Appendix 7-4 Ornithology_Part7
PEIR Appendix 7-5 Riparian Mammals_Part1
PEIR Appendix 7-5 Riparian Mammals_Part2
PEIR Appendix 7-5 Riparian Mammals_Part3
PEIR Appendix 8-2 WSI for Archaeological Site Surveys
PEIR Appendix 9-1 Legislation and Planning Policy
PEIR Appendix 9-2 Summary of Project Engagement
PEIR Appendix 9-3 Construction Traffic
PEIR Appendix 9-4 Baseline Traffic Data
PEIR Appendix 9-5 Construction Traffic Impact Assessment
PEIR Appendix 9-6 Summary of Effects
PEIR Appendix 9-7 Outline Construction Traffic Management Plan (oCTMP)
PEIR Appendix 10-1 Noise and Vibration Glossary
PEIR Appendix 10-2 Noise and Vibration Policy, Standards and Guidance
PEIR Appendix 10-3 Baseline Noise Conditions
PEIR Appendix 10-4 Construction and Decommissioning Phase Assessments
PEIR Appendix 10-5 Operational Phase Assessments
PEIR Appendix 11-1 Phase 1 Geo Assessment Central (Part 2)
PEIR Appendix 11-1 Phase 1 Geo Assessment North (Part 1)
PEIR Appendix 11-1 Phase 1 Geo Assessment South A (Part 4)
PEIR Appendix 11-1 Phase 1 Geo Assessment South B (Part 3)
PEIR Appendix 11-2 Ground Conditions Legislative Context and Policy
PEIR Appendix 11-2 Phase 1 Geo Assessment Central (Part 2)
PEIR Appendix 11-2 Phase 1 Geo Assessment North (Part 1)
PEIR Appendix 11-2 Phase 1 Geo Assessment South A (Part 4)
PEIR Appendix 11-2 Phase 1 Geo Assessment South B (Part 3)
PEIR Appendix 12-1 Agricultural Land Classification Report_Part1
PEIR Appendix 12-1 Agricultural Land Classification Report_Part2
PEIR Appendix 12-1 Agricultural Land Classification Report_Part3
PEIR Appendix 14-1 Legislation and Planning Policy
PEIR Appendix 14-2 Climate risk assessment
PEIR Appendix 15-1 Construction Phase Dust Assessment
PEIR Appendix 15-2 Traffic Data Utilised in the Assessment
PEIR Appendix 15-3 Meteorological Data Wind Roses
PEIR Appendix 15-4 Receptor Locations
PEIR Appendix 15-5 Model Verification
PEIR Appendix 15-6 Baseline Modelled Concentrations at Existing Receptor Locations
PEIR Appendix 15-7 Legislation, Policy and Guidance
PEIR Appendix 15-8 Glint & Glare Assessment
- Additional Information
Register for updates
To read our latest community newsletter issued in September 2024, please click here.
We remain committed to open and transparent engagement with the community throughout this process.
To stay informed about Prosiect Maen Hir, you can sign up to receive project updates directly to your inbox. Please complete the form below to register with us and be kept up to date with any news and developments regarding the proposals, including when more information about the proposed development and upcoming community events become available.
In the meantime, we are always on hand to assist with any of your enquiries regarding Prosiect Maen Hir, and have established project-dedicated communications lines for you to get in touch, Mon-Fri from 9am to 5pm:
- Email: maenhir@lightsourcebp.com
- Freephone: Welsh: 08081 756663 / English: 08081 756375
- Freepost (free of charge; no need for a stamp): FREEPOST MAEN HIR PROJECT
Contact details
Freepost: FREEPOST MAEN HIR PROJECT (no stamp required) Web (Welsh): lightsourcebp.com/maenhir-cymraeg Web (English): lightsourcebp.com/maenhir-english
maenhir@lightsourcebp.com Welsh: 08081 756663 / English: 08081 756375
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Môn Solar
Although currently inoperative, the webpage dedicated to Môn Solar Farm remains publicly available to access via this link.
To view the most up-to-date information regarding the proposals, please remain on this webpage to see the Prosiect Maen Hir Project Description and FAQs set out above.