The announcement that Contracts for Difference have been allocated to energy schemes on Anglesey has been welcomed.
Five bids have been successful in the fifth Contracts for Difference allocation round undertaken by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (UK government). This will give the green light and a significant boost to projects that are part of the Energy Island programme’s portfolio to supply energy to the National Grid.
Four projects to be sited within the Morlais Demonstration Zone – namely Hydrowing, Verdant, Môr Energy and Magallanes – have been awarded a joint allocation to supply 22.4MW to the grid.
Traffwll Solar Park has also received an allocation to supply 35MW to the national grid. The project was approved by the Welsh Government’s Climate Change Minister, Julie James, in March this year.
Council Leader and economic development portfolio holder, Councillor Llinos Medi, said, “The outcome is a boost to the aspirations of the county council and our partners for the Anglesey Energy Island Programme. We are working to achieve the goal of seeing Anglesey at the forefront of low carbon energy production and, as a result, securing long-term economic and social benefits for the island and its residents.”
“I would like to congratulate Menter Môn, who is responsible for the Morlais Demonstration Zone, on this success. In this round, a total of 50MW has been allocated to the tidal energy industry in the UK. It is therefore particularly good news that a total of 22MW has been allocated to projects within the Morlais Demonstration Zone.”
She added, “We will continue to work together to ensure that the project realises the maximum economic benefits for the island as well as providing benefits that will improve wellbeing and ensure prosperity in those communities hosting the development.”
The Magallenes project will be the first to be sited within the Morlais Demonstration Zone in 2026. The company was also successful under the same process last year, securing an allocation of 5MW.
Ends 13 September 2023