Maen Hir Solar and Energy Storage (English)
Overview of the project
Lightsource bp is developing proposals for a solar and energy storage project called Prosiect Maen Hir, located on land in Anglesey. Previously known as Môn Solar Farm, we are now re-introducing the project with changes to the proposals.
Prosiect Maen Hir will have a capacity of over 350 megawatts (MW) of clean, renewable electricity. The proposals include infrastructure for generating and storing renewable energy, supplying this electricity to grid, and the accesses and temporary compounds required for construction. Importantly, the proposals are also being developed with potential to enable further opportunities such as a 5MW community solar scheme, green infrastructure proposals and new recreational opportunities.
From the outset, Lightsource bp’s wider ambition has been for the project to enable an Energy Hub on the former Shell site which in turn would support economic development and job creation. The works required to bring forward a Construction Logistics Hub, and to develop the community solar and the Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), may involve infrastructure investment that could generally help to unlock the site to support the planned employment and energy uses – helping enable an Energy Hub. This is of significance given the dormancy of the former Shell site and lack of development opportunities coming forward to date.
The solar and energy storage project will form a key part of the Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Energy Island Programme, which seeks to position the Island at the forefront of low carbon energy research and development, production and servicing, with the intention of bringing economic, community, and environmental benefits. It will contribute to Welsh Government targets to reach Net Zero by 2050 and have 70% of electricity consumption from renewable sources by 2030, as well as wider UK targets to increase solar capacity fivefold by 2035.
Please click below to find out more about the project in our FAQs.
Project re-introduction
We have previously shared our ambition to generate renewable energy from solar in this location, having introduced proposals for Môn Solar on similar site areas in 2021. This included early online engagement with local stakeholders and community webinars held in March 2021 under COVID-19 restrictions.
Our proposals have evolved since then. Plans for the new project have been further refined and developed. We have taken on board comments from the initial engagement, with the removal of some previously proposed land alongside identifying additional potentially suitable areas for solar through engagement with landowners and initial environmental surveys.
Our proposals have evolved since then. Plans for the new project have been further refined and developed. We have taken on board comments from the initial engagement, with the removal of some previously proposed land alongside identifying additional potentially suitable areas for solar through engagement with landowners and initial environmental surveys.
Accounting for these developments, Prosiect Maen Hir now has an anticipated generating capacity of more than 350 megawatts (MW) renewable energy, meaning it is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). This means that, in order to gain planning consent, we are required to submit a Development Consent Order (DCO) Application for the proposed development to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS). PINS acts on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ). It will carry out an examination of our proposals and then make a recommendation to the Secretary of State on whether to grant consent for the development. Local stakeholder and community engagement is an important part of this process.
Previous proposals for Môn Solar can therefore be considered to be superseded by our latest proposals for Prosiect Maen Hir.
The site/project location
Prosiect Maen Hir is located in the north of the Island, and comprises approximately 1,234 hectares (ha) of land identified with potential to accommodate solar PV development and associated infrastructure including the project substation and Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The site is defined as comprising three linked parcels for ease of referencing. The parcels are: an area near Rhosgoch and Bodewryd (identified as ‘Maen Hir North’), to the south-east of Llanerchymedd (‘Maen Hir South’), and around the northern and eastern periphery of Llyn Alaw (‘Maen Hir Central’). The land predominantly comprises agricultural fields, with an area of brownfield land within Maen Hir North close to Rhosgoch which was formerly a Shell oil depot.
Most of the land within the site is farmed and down to grassland, some of which is mown as forage and some of which is grazed. The land under and around the PV arrays will be kept in grassland use and managed through a grazing or mowing regime, as appropriate, ensuring no significant effects on the soil resource or the agricultural land quality.
Please find a plan showing the location of the site areas below.
Please click below to find out more about the project in our FAQs.
The benefits
If built, Prosiect Maen Hir would…
Support Anglesey’s Energy Island Programme and help meet national and regional net zero targets
Enhance local biodiversity through the creation of new wildlife habitats and a potential for continued agricultural use (e.g. livestock grazing, wildflower planting)
Provide long-term energy affordability as solar is the cheapest way to generate electricity
Work with Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Bangor University to create educational opportunities for residents and students
Create new jobs and invest in local businesses, as well as contribute to local tax revenue
Improve recreational and amenity resources for the local community and visitors (e.g. new permissive paths, cycle routes)
Provide a 5MW community solar scheme
Help secure energy independence and security by improving the reliability of our national power supply
Where are we now/the development process
Our team is undertaking assessment work which will inform a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to identify any potential effects of the project, which in turn will inform the design for Prosiect Maen Hir.
As part of this work, we have recently submitted our EIA Scoping Request to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) on 9th November 2023. This document sets out our proposed approach to the EIA (including an overview of which environmental surveys we plan to undertake, and how we will assess potential effects and mitigation measures) and will be responded to by PINS in the form of a Scoping Opinion. PINS will seek feedback from prescribed (statutory) consultees to inform this.
Please click below to go to our project FAQs to find out more about the development process and an indicative timeline for the project.
Community consultation
Alongside this technical process, we are committed to providing updates to members of the public and community representatives. Local knowledge and input is important to us, and we are committed to open and accessible communication.
Our aim over the winter and into the New Year is to re-introduce ourselves and provide ample time for the local community to be made aware of our updated proposals and have the opportunity to ask questions and for us to answer any queries. This will include in-person and virtual meetings with the project team, as well as opportunities for you to ask questions and provide feedback and suggestions. Information materials will be made publicly available to help explain our current plans for Prosiect Maen Hir and what we are specifically looking for your feedback on at this re-introduction stage of the planning process.
We then anticipate commencing a statutory consultation on our proposals in Spring 2024.
Lightsource bp is committed to working with and within the communities we invest and develop in and that is the case in the unique community of Anglesey and especially the communities of north Anglesey.
For more information about the developer, please visit www.lightsourcebp.com.
Register for updates
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
Register for updates
Use this form to register for updates, or get in touch using the details below:
maenhir@lightsourcebp.com Welsh: 08081 756663 / English: 08081 756375
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Document library
Here you can find all project documentation, from most recent to least.
- Updated Initial Concept Masterplan – January 2024
- Initial Concept Masterplan – November 2023
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.