Latest news with #AmbitionNorthWales
Business News Wales
3 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
North Wales Is Building a Hydrogen Model That Works Locally
The Holyhead Hydrogen Hub is more than a renewable energy project. It's an opportunity for North Wales to take a leading role in the transition to a low carbon economy – not just by producing clean fuel, but by showing how regional collaboration, community ownership and innovation can come together in practice. At Ambition North Wales, we're supporting the development of the hub as a project within our North Wales Growth Deal – which is a £1 billion investment to the region's economy, £240m of which is funded by the Welsh Government and UK Government. Our wider role also includes delivering local area energy plans and regional transport planning, and coordinating the Regional Skills Partnership which helps prepare young people for careers – including in low carbon industries, such as hydrogen. All of this is directly connected to the opportunity presented by the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub. The hub will use renewable electricity from the Morlais tidal stream infrastructure off the coast of Anglesey to produce green hydrogen for use in transport and other hard-to-decarbonise sectors. That alone is significant. But what makes the project especially valuable is the model behind it, both in how it is structured and who it is designed to benefit. Morlais is owned and operated by Menter Môn Morlais Ltd, a subsidiary of Menter Môn Cyf a social enterprise set up 30-years ago to deliver economic and environmental benefit for people in Anglesey and North Wales. That means the energy used to power the hub is locally generated and community owned. The hydrogen facility itself is being delivered through a joint venture between Menter Môn and Hynamics, a subsidiary of EDF. It's a model that brings together local insight with technical expertise and shows that communities don't need to wait for external investment — they can lead or co-develop important energy infrastructure themselves. This kind of ownership model is less common in UK energy projects, particularly those involving newer technologies like hydrogen. But it aligns directly with Welsh Government's ambition to see one gigawatt of locally owned renewable energy capacity in place by 2030. In that context, the Holyhead scheme is not only timely – it's a potential blueprint for other regions looking to combine low carbon delivery with local benefit. The impact could be felt far beyond the site itself. If organisations across the region begin to explore hydrogen as part of their operations – from transport fleets to plant and machinery – this will open up further opportunities for refuelling infrastructure, storage, and workforce development. That's why raising awareness of the project is so important. By encouraging conversations between potential users and the project partners now, we can help ensure the right support is in place when the hydrogen becomes available. For North Wales, the hub is a chance to demonstrate what the region can offer, not only in terms of natural resources, but also in the strength of its partnerships and the ambition of its communities. It shows that innovation is not just about technology. It's also about ownership, delivery and benefit. The Holyhead Hydrogen Hub will bring these elements together in a way that can be a great example for other low carbon energy projects in Wales and beyond.
North Wales Chronicle
15-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
Leader Live
15-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
Rhyl Journal
15-07-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
North Wales Clean Energy Fund will power sector progress
The North Wales Clean Energy Fund, worth £24.6 million, has been launched by Ambition North Wales to help drive the region's shift to a low-carbon economy. Part of the North Wales Growth Deal, the fund will support clean energy and decarbonisation projects for businesses and voluntary sector organisations. Cllr Gary Pritchard, lead member for the Low Carbon Energy Programme at Ambition North Wales and leader of Isle of Anglesey Council, said: "I was immensely proud to be part of the launch, and now to see the fund up and running. "It will mean that green energy projects based in North Wales can begin and progress more quickly. "By supporting innovative businesses and community-driven projects, we are fostering a more sustainable, prosperous future for the region." The fund will run for an initial five-year period and includes two dedicated sub-funds. The first, led by the Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), targets charities, social enterprises, and community-led projects. The second, delivered by UMi, is aimed at private sector businesses. A third reserve fund will consider applications from other organisations and funding models. The fund will support a variety of clean energy solutions, including storage, energy efficiency, decarbonisation, and renewable energy generation. It is expected to deliver £100 million of investment in the region, create 150 jobs, and cut up to 125,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The launch event was held at Coleg Llandrillo's Engineering Centre in Rhyl, which houses a renewable energy technology training facility. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, welcomed the scheme. She said: "The launch of the Clean Energy Fund is fantastic news for North Wales, opening the door to more opportunities for the region's thriving clean energy sector. "With its abundant natural resources, skilled workforce, and commitment to sustainability, North Wales is uniquely positioned to lead the way in harnessing renewable energy. "I look forward to seeing innovative developments that will drive economic growth while advancing our transition to a greener future." Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office minister, shared her support in a video message during the event. She said: "The Clean Energy Fund helps to cement North Wales's growing reputation in the clean energy sector. "This fund, supported by investment from the UK Government, will ensure the sector continues to flourish and create new well-paid jobs." The fund supports the North Wales Regional Energy Strategy, which aims to increase renewable energy use and promote local ownership of clean energy assets. Further details and application information are available at
North Wales Live
09-07-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
The '£1bn' North Wales Growth Deal has only created 35 jobs
The £1bn North Wales Growth Deal has so far only created 35 jobs as its operations director admits it is "significantly behind forecasts". The Growth Deal - managed by Ambition North Wales - was signed in 2020, backed by joint funding of £240m from Welsh and UK governments. It was designed to work alongside private sector investment and kick-start various developments across the region. Its objectives included creating up to 4,200 new jobs by 2036, support an uplift of £2bn-2.4bn for the economy over that same period, and deliver total investment of up to £1.1bn. Projects ranged from unlocking sites like Parc Bryn Cegin to future proofing Holyhead port and bringing 5G to major road and rail routes. But up to this point it has delivered a total investment of £16.6 million, of which £15.3 million is growth deal investment, with just £1.3m from the private sector. North Wales Senedd member Sam Rowlands said that is "a very, very poor record, to say the least" and that it is "letting people down in North Wales". Hedd Vaughan-Evans, operations director at Ambition North Wales, said that the Deal had been impacted by Covid, inflation and the collapse of hopes to revive nuclear at Trawsfynydd. He admitted they were well behind on the original forecasts which were "rife with optimism bias". But he added that they hope to see a "significant increase" in that figure over the next few years, as more and more projects move into delivery. When asked whether the Growth Deal was on "track" Mr Vaughan-Evans told the Senedd's Economy, Trade, and Rural Affairs Committee: "Significantly behind the original forecasts' would be the honest answer. I think, on reflection, the original forecasts at the time of signing the deal were rife with optimism bias in terms of how mature some of the projects were and how quickly they would come into delivery. "That issue has been exacerbated by some of the issues that have already been mentioned around COVID and the delays that caused and the subsequent cost inflation crisis that we're all dealing with. We had hoped and anticipated to be in a position where many more projects were already in delivery and operation at this point in the deal, with a significantly higher number of jobs created. "Obviously, in the current position that we're in, we've only seen 35 jobs created, but that's on the back of only one project in operation and three currently in delivery, so we hope to see a significant increase in that figure over the next few years, as more and more projects move into delivery." Charlie McCoubrey, from the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee, also spoke at the meeting. The responsibility for delivering the Growth Deal transferred from the Economic Ambition Board to the North Wales Corporate Joint Committee - which is made of the six local authorities and the Eryri National Park Authority - in April. He said: "At the moment, the actual private sector investment is very low—it's £1.8 million. That's before projects are actually in delivery. They are further education or higher education projects, and the level of match funding for them is much lower. "Of the other six projects that are due to move into delivery, the investment target is £275 million, and 50 per cent of that would be from the private sector." The ambitions of the Deal were hit by a decision to not move ahead with Trawsfynydd in Gwynedd as a potential site for small nuclear reactor (SMRs). It had been backed by previous PM Boris Johnson but in May 2024 Great British Nuclear (GBN), a UK government organisation set up to co-ordinate the industry, said the site does not have enough space for its first phase of work. Mr Vaughan-Evans said: "The £1 billion target that we have for the growth deal is a combination of the growth deal capital, public sector investment and private sector investment. The Trawsfynydd project was a significant proportion of that in the original estimates when the deal was signed—as Charlie has mentioned, roughly 40 per cent of the overall total. "So, it was heavily weighted towards one project, which has now been removed, and, obviously, that leaves us with a challenge as a region that we need to meet with the projects moving forward as best we can, and potentially some level of negotiation with Government if that is not possible. We're aware there aren't many projects of the scale and impact that the Trawsfynydd project could have had in the region. So, we will be looking at a number of smaller projects and interventions to try and meet that gap. But it was heavily weighted towards the Trawsfynydd project, and it does represent a challenge for the deal moving forward." He added: "We have been seeing between 25 per cent and 40 per cent inflation in some project costs, and it turns into a bit of a vicious cycle, if you will, because those projects have two decisions to make, really: they can either seek alternative funds, seek more money—and we've made some decisions to allocate additional funding to get projects into delivery, which is a risk for us as a deal, because that means less money available for other projects, to hit our targets—or they look at de-scoping and re-scoping the project to fit within the financial envelope. "All of this takes time, and we've had it on a number of occasions, but by the time you've found the additional money or done the re-scoping, the re-planning, costs go up again, and you're in a bit of a loop that is quite hard to break sometimes. So, it is a real operational challenge for getting projects into delivery. And, of course, I think the BCIS is still forecasting another 17 per cent rise in construction costs over the next five years. So, the longer it takes our projects to get into delivery, the bigger that issue will become." Conservative MS Sam Rowlands said: 'I was pleased to be involved in the early stages of the growth deal, and to see Governments in both Westminster and here in Cardiff bay working together to see investment in the region. 'At the time, there was a promise of a total of around £1 billion-worth of investment, both from public and private sector investment, and a promise of up to 4,000 jobs in the region. In recent weeks, the Senedd's Economy, Trade and Rural Affairs Committee highlighted the fact that only 35 jobs have been created in over five years of the growth deal being in place. 'That is a very, very poor record, to say the least, of how the growth deal is going here in Wales. It's letting people down in North Wales, an area that is crying out for improvement in the economy and crying out for those all-important jobs as well. 'The Welsh Government has a role to play in ensuring this growth deal is delivered and those promises are kept. So, how are you going to ensure that North Wales is treated as a priority and that we see delivery of these jobs and the growth that we need in the region?' First Minister Eluned Morgan said: "I think we've got to accept the fact that it's been very disappointing, the pace that has been associated with the North Wales Growth Deal. That's why, as a Government, we are really trying to drive the corporate joint committee that is responsible for delivering on this. "I was really pleased recently to go and visit the Enterprise, Engineering and Optics Centre in Wrexham, which is nearing completion. Now, that's an example of something that has been delivered, but we need to see a lot more of that in future. So, I do hope that local authorities will drive that delivery, but also we need to see the private sector stepping up, if they're serious about really engaging in what is a real opportunity, I think, for north Wales growth."
