North Wales Clean Energy Infrastructure Project Gets Underway
The Cydnerth project, which will support the expansion of the Morlais tidal energy scheme, has moved into its construction phase, marking a major milestone for the North Wales low-carbon economy.
Work has begun on-site at Parc Cybi, Holyhead, to strengthen the grid infrastructure for Morlais, a flagship tidal energy project run by local social enterprise, Menter Môn Morlais Ltd.
Backed by the North Wales Growth Deal and funding from both the Welsh and UK Governments, the £16 million Cydnerth project will futureproof Morlais by increasing its grid capacity from 18MW to an eventual 240MW.
Initial construction will involve the installation of underground cables to transmit clean electricity from the Morlais substation from the coast at Ynys Lawd (South Stack) to the national grid.
Cllr. Gary Prichard, Leader of the Isle of Anglesey County Council and Lead Member for Low Carbon Energy Programme, said:
'This is a significant milestone for Morlais and North Wales. The project can now leverage Growth Deal funding to ensure its expansion, enabling economic opportunities, strengthening local supply chains and supporting local jobs. It will ensure North Wales is a key player in the future of tidal energy and clean electricity.'
Andy Billcliff, Chief Executive of Menter Môn Morlais Ltd, added:
'This is an important and welcome step toward realising the full potential of Ynys Môn's tidal resources and establishing the area as a hub for sustainable energy. The work at Parc Cybi is crucial to that goal. As a local organisation, we're committed to delivering economic benefits for our community, while safeguarding the environment. We are grateful for Growth Deal support through Ambition North Wales which is essential as we progress Morlais.'
North Wales-based Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK has secured the contract for the construction and cabling work for Cydnerth.
Contracts Director for Jones Bros, Eryl Roberts, added:
'We're pleased to have been appointed to deliver Cydnerth, the next phase of infrastructure for Morlais, such an innovative renewable scheme right here on our doorstep here in North Wales. As with all our projects, we pride ourselves in providing local supply chain and employment opportunities and are excited to be working on site to deliver this important scheme.'
Cydnerth is part of the North Wales Growth Deal's Low Carbon Energy Programme, which represents a £1 billion investment in the region's economy, with £240 million of this funded jointly by the Welsh and UK Governments.
Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, said:
'The start of construction on the Cydnerth project represents another major milestone in North Wales' journey to becoming a renewable energy powerhouse. Backed by Welsh Government funding through the North Wales Growth Deal, this will unlock the full potential of Morlais tidal energy and demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the low-carbon transition.
'By increasing grid capacity from 18MW to 240MW, we're not just supporting clean energy generation – we're creating lasting economic opportunities and high-quality jobs for local communities.'
Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said:
'It is great news that this major infrastructure project in Holyhead is now underway. The Cydnerth project helps cement North Wales's growing reputation as a clean energy hub.
'I'm delighted that UK Government funding is supporting the project and helping us deliver our clean energy and economic growth missions.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
North Wales Live
34 minutes ago
- North Wales Live
Dunelm's £19 bedside table reduced four times in sale as shoppers say it's 'gorgeous'
Decorating your home can come with quite a hefty expense as furniture's not always cheap, which is why it's always wise to keep an eye out when big homewear brands have a sale. Fortunately for shoppers looking to refresh their bedroom space, Dunelm has launched a massive clearance sale with reductions on items including rugs, bedding, storage and more. This particular Elements Griffin Compact Bedside Table was initially priced at £79 and has been slashed to £19.75. The item has been marked down four times since January, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from delighted customers online. Featuring a rounded compact design, the bedside table includes a drawer and open shelf with a 'modern' painted metal finish, reports the Liverpool Echo. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Customers have been commending its 'sturdy' construction in their reviews. On the Dunelm website, the complete product description states: "Crafted from durable metal, this bedside table features a contemporary design that effortlessly complements various decor styles. It includes one drawer and one shelf, providing ample storage space for your night time essentials. "The drawer offers a discreet spot to keep personal items out of sight, while the open shelf is perfect for books, magazines, or decorative items. The compact size of this bedside table makes it an ideal choice for smaller spaces, ensuring that even the cosiest bedrooms can benefit from its stylish functionality." Over on the Dunelm website, one customer remarked: "These bedside drawers are just so lovely to look at, very solid (heavy) metal construction, easy to put together." A second review stated: "Fab colour, good looking bedside table. Heavy and sturdy and good value. The drawer is a little stiff to close." A third customer commented: "This was easy to put together and much heavier than expected. Quite a quirky design which I like." However, some customers found the assembly of the bedside cabinet challenging. This sentiment was echoed in a review which read: "Lovely cabinet. It required 16 hex nuts to be fitted to fix the legs in position. You would think that would be easy. Nightmare." Another shopper added: "Really good quality and well packaged. Stylish and contemporary colour for my teenage son's bedroom." One reviewer noted: "Great quality, quite heavy and very sturdy. Looks more expensive than it was. Great design love the shelf." For a different bedside table in a more muted tone, Argos have the Habitat Otto 1 Drawer Round Bedside Table - Grey for £35. Alternatively, The Range has the Polo Round Bedside Table in White for £111.99 online.
Daily Mirror
an hour ago
- Daily Mirror
Ryan Reynolds is paying stars Premier League wages as surprising 'Wrexham tax' claim made
A Wrexham director has lifted the lid on how the club's Hollywood owners are paying top-level wages to attract star players as they prepare for the Championship Wrexham are splashing out Premier League wages in their bid to compete in the Championship, a club director has revealed. The Red Dragons have been busy in the transfer market this summer after making six new signings. Plymouth striker Ryan Hardie, former Leicester goalkeeper Danny Ward and Empoli left-back Liberato Cacace were their first three arrivals after Wrexham were promoted to the second tier in April. They were followed by Bolton captain George Thomason, ex-Sheffield Wednesday forward Josh Windass and Nottingham Forest midfielder Lewis O'Brien, who all joined last week. More new recruits are expected to follow before Wrexham 's opening league game away at Southampton as manager Phil Parkinson looks to strengthen his squad. Club director Shaun Harvey has now lifted the lid on how the Welsh side's Hollywood owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, are paying top level salaries to entice players to the Racecourse Ground. Speaking on former Wrexham and Manchester United goalkeeper Ben Foster's Fozcast podcast, he said: "Our model has always been, we wanted to sign players that were at least used to playing one division higher than we were playing in. "If we're going to do that now, we're signing players who are Premier League quality and they want Premier League wages. If you're looking at signing players from the top end of the Championship to help you on your journey, they're earning fortunes more. "Our wage bill per month now will be more than we paid for the whole time we were in the National League." Despite the significant outlay, Harvey remarkably claimed the club is no longer having to fork out additional premiums as often to convince new signings to join. The ex-EFL chief executive said the so-called "Wrexham tax" - which saw the club having to offer a financial sweetener for players to drop down divisions - was a thing of the past. "That was worse in League One and League Two than it is in the Championship, and this will be a surprise to a lot of people," he said. "We were having to persuade players who were better than the standard of the division we were playing in to drop down to play." O'Brien, Wrexham's latest recruit, has spoken openly about the factors which persuaded him to join the club. It followed the Red Dragons fending off interest from several of their Championship rivals to secure his signature. "It's kind of crazy what's happened at Wrexham, it's surreal really," the 26-year-old midfielder told The Leader. "I've watched the Disney programme and it's like a Disney story - the third oldest club in the world having back-to-back-to-back promotions. "Once you see that and hear the club want to sign you, you want to be part of it. I'm absolutely buzzing. It's been a long time coming but to finally be here feels great." He added: "The last couple of years has been a bit of a whirlwind for me and my family but to sign somewhere I can call home is a great feeling. We've just had a little girl so we'll definitely be looking to move to the area. "I ended the season with Swansea and I've had a couple of spells in America so now it's time to find somewhere we can call home." Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sign up to our newsletter! Wrexham is the Game is great new way to get top-class coverage Wrexham AFC is the arguably the fastest-growing club in the world at the moment thanks to a certain Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. The Dragons have achieved two consecutive promotions and are cheered on by crowds from not only North Wales but also from all over the globe, thanks to the success of the Disney+ documentary 'Welcome to Wrexham'. But does it have a dedicated, quality source of information piped through to your inbox each week, free of ads but packed with informed opinion, analysis and even a little bit of fun each week? That's where Wrexham is the Game steps in... Available every Wednesday, it provides all the insights you need to be a top red. And for a limited time, a subscription to 'Wrexham is the Game' will cost fans just £15 for the first year.
South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Top Harper Adams student collects award at Royal Welsh Show
A scholar aiming to use his graduate career to 'advocate for Welsh agriculture' has won the 2025 Harper Cymry/Royal Welsh Agricultural Society Student of the Year award. Osian Richards, who grew up on his family's dairy farm in Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, spoke of how much the prize – and the show – meant to him after receiving his prize. He said: 'Receiving the award at the Royal Welsh Show was an enormous honour. I've been attending the show since I was a child in a pram, and the show truly represents the heart of Welsh agriculture - and remains a highlight of my year. 'That personal connection made the award all the more meaningful. 'The award was established in memory of Bill Ratcliffe, who had deep ties to South Wales and the agricultural sector, and whose contributions were recognised with the Royal Welsh Silver Medal. To be associated with his award is incredibly special.' Mr Ratcliffe, who was renowned for his outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry, was a Harper Adams University Fellow – and founder of the Harper Cymry alumni association. Osian – himself a member of the Harper Cymry student society - has just completed the final year of his BSc (Hons) Rural Enterprise and Land Management degree. He added: 'The award carries a bittersweet note, marking the end of my Harper Adams journey. But for me, it also stands as recognition of the dedication and hard work I've poured into my degree and university life over the past four years. Now, I'm excited to begin the next chapter, armed with the skills and support Harper and Harper Cymry have given me.' Looking back at his time at Harper Adams, Osian added: 'The University has offered much more than an academic qualification. 'It created a unique atmosphere built on friendship, encouragement, and a real sense of community. 'From my lecturers to fellow students, I've felt supported throughout my journey. I'd especially like to acknowledge the REALM lecturers in my second and final year; their dedication and guidance went far beyond expectation. 'Academically, the course was both challenging and rewarding. Its emphasis on practical application and real-world scenarios means I've gained knowledge and skills I know will serve me well professionally. 'The placement year also played a key role in strengthening this foundation.' It was while on placement that Osian discovered a taste for auctioneering – something which he is hoping to hone further in his first graduate role. He added: 'Having grown up on a pedigree dairy farm in South Wales, I'd heard of Gwilym Richards & Co. The firm - and Gwilym Richards himself - are well respected within the dairy industry, so the choice felt natural. 'My placement offered a wealth of experience, from handling compensation claims to managing rentals and conducting valuations. I also had the opportunity to auctioneer under Gwilym's guidance, a skill that has since shaped my career ambitions. 'The placement allowed me to apply classroom theory to practical scenarios and ultimately helped me secure a graduate role. The placement year gave me a taste of industry and made me want to work harder in my final year to secure a place within the industry.' Having returned to University, Osian applied himself keenly to his final year studies – and during that final year, also secured his first graduate role. This gives him both a chance to test his auctioneering skills, and an opportunity to speak up for Welsh farming. He added: 'During my placement year with Gwilym Richards, I worked in conjunction with Greenslade Taylor Hunt, a property and auction specialist - and from there, I have secured a graduate surveyor and auctioneer position which starts this August at Sedgemoor. 'In the future, I'm particularly keen to stay connected with the dairy sector and hope to specialise in dairy cattle due to my dairy upbringing. 'I'll be based near Redhill, close to Bristol and Sedgemoor Market, one of England's largest livestock markets - which gives me a great platform to advocate for Welsh agriculture in a dynamic setting.'
