Latest news with #LlyrGruffydd
BBC News
07-08-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Wales' battery energy systems a 'wild west' amid net zero drive
The drive to reach net zero is leading to a "wild west" of applications for potentially dangerous battery storage sites across Wales, a politician has said. Llyr Gruffydd, chairman of the Senedd's climate change, energy and infrastructure committee, said applications for battery energy storage systems (Bess) were often "speculative punts" that were "coming forward in an unmanaged way". There are currently 87 Bess applications in Wales, but campaigners say they pose a safety risk after serious fires across the globe. The Welsh government said the systems would assist the increasing use of renewable energy to "provide the low-carbon flexibility we require". Bess allows energy to be stockpiled, usually in lithium-ion batteries when, for instance, strong winds are creating an energy surplus from turbines or the sun is making a surplus from solar can be stored and released to the grid at a later stage when there is more demand. The systems are covered by a robust regulatory framework which applies regardless of the size of the there have been fires reported at Bess sites, including one in Liverpool in September 2020 which created a "significant blast" and took 59 hours to extinguish, and another in California earlier this year. One of the proposed developments in Wales is near Cefn Rhigos in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where an application is under way for a site which could import and export 200 MW of power. Cefn Rhigos resident Clare Rees said the site was too close to houses, just a few hundred metres away. She said: "Our main concern as a community is the proximity of the houses and people to the proposed site and the dangers that could come from a fire."They say the risk is low, but the risk is there and rules need to be in place to safeguard residents."Agents acting on behalf of the developer told BBC-produced Newyddion S4C they did not want to respond to the Cynon Taf council said the application had been called in by Welsh ministers and was currently on hold, pending the submission of further information from the applicant. Prof Kathryn Toghill, originally from Caernarfon, Gwynedd, said she recognised the fire risk and said other options should be considered."I think the risk is manageable but there are alternatives and we shouldn't be putting everything into lithium-ion batteries," the professor of sustainable electrochemistry and energy materials at Lancaster University said."It might be more that we need to diversify our battery technology... [but] it's really hard to compete with the costs of these and that's what really matters to people when it comes to energy."Prof Toghill also claimed there was an "energy security risk" in becoming overly-reliant on lithium-ion batteries used at Bess sites as the UK has no supply chain for creating them, relying on countries such as China for the critical raw materials. Not referring to any specific development, Plaid Cymru MS Gruffydd said there needed to be a "national strategy" in terms of battery storage and where to place them."Battery storage is a part of the answer when it comes to our energy future in Wales," he said. "But the fear I have is that the developments that are on the table at the minute and that are flying in as speculative punts, very often from all sorts of energy companies, are coming forward in an unmanaged way."It's unmanaged, it's a bit of a wild west situation at the moment and that needs to change."The Welsh government said Bess sites would play a "crucial part" in supporting the security of the network and the wider integration of renewable energy across the wider grid. It added the National Energy System Operator would consider the scale of proposed Bess developments, ensuring they were well planned and situated while "considering the opinions of the communities supporting them".
Business News Wales
28-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Flagship Trailer Firm Launches Paid Internship Scheme with More than 50 Jobs Up for Grabs
(L/R) Rhun ap Iorwerth, party leader, Gerallt Parry – Ty'n Llidiart Nights Site Leader, Owain Wilkinson – Sandycroft Livestock Production, Joseph Smith – Design, John Williams – Managing Director, Jac Awbury and Bedwyr Pritchard – both from Ty'n Llidiart, Jak Tyrer – Sandycroft Production Site Leader and Llyr Gruffydd, North Wales MS. More than 50 jobs are up for grabs at a flagship trailer company that's running a paid internship scheme over the summer. The positive employment news was revealed during a visit to Ifor Wiliams Trailers by Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS who described the company as a role model for other Welsh businesses. Up to 30 candidates chosen to take part in the Summer Programme at the family-owned firm – which has five sites in Deeside and Denbighshire – will be paid £380 a week. According to the company, the eight to 12-week programme would be ideal for students, graduates and people looking for work experience, either on the production line or in office based roles. Participants who achieve 100 per cent attendance and work to a high standard throughout the programme will receive a £250 bonus. Mr ap Iorwerth was accompanied on the tour of the company's Sandycroft factory, which makes livestock trailers, by Plaid's North Wales MS, Llyr Gruffydd. During the visit, they met several graduates of previous Summer Programmes who have since secured permanent jobs with the company. They also heard the company is looking to recruit between 50 and 60 people for a variety of jobs across its five sites as a result of its bulging order book. The factories manufacture and supply a wide range of trailers and genuine parts to a network of 50 UK outlets and more than 60 international distributors as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. Mr ap Iorwerth said: 'It's always a company I've admired because it's grown so much over the years but I have to say that coming here today I have learned more about them, how they've developed and their ambition to continue growing. 'What I've discovered today is that it is an even more important company than I realised. The company's story has a real wow factor about it. 'It's competing on the highest level right across the world and it's recognised as a best-in-class brand while their original values remain as important as ever, their Welsh roots, their support for local communities while making these incredible products, creating prosperity in the Welsh economy at the same time. 'It is an example of a company that's providing career opportunities for young people, some of whom we've met today. 'It's one of our most famous companies and it's the type of company we want to see more of in Wales.' It was a point echoed by Mr Gruffydd who added: 'It's our ambition as a party to encourage indigenous companies to grow and Ifor Williams Trailers is a perfect example of the type of economy we want to develop, where Welsh companies expand while they continue to have deep roots here. 'They are flying the flag for Wales right across the world and it was an eye-opener to learn they have a network of around 60 international distributors. 'Wherever they go, they are linked to Wales, whether that's through their products or Wrexham football club which they sponsor. 'At the same time, they're providing young people opportunities in terms of training and careers which are second to none and creating prosperity in the communities in which they are based. 'The Summer Programme is a great way of attracting young people who might not otherwise realise career opportunities like this existed. 'It's a story of success for both the company and the employees who've made the most of the opportunities they've been given.' Among the Summer Programme graduates the pair met was Bedwyr Pritchard, 17, who operates a robot welder at their Ty'n Llidiart factory in Corwen. He said: 'I was really pleased that I was accepted to take part in the Summer Programme and I learned a lot. 'It was great and I was very happy when I was offered a job at the end of it. I'm really enjoying my job. Everybody there is nice and very kind. I live across the road to the factory so I can even go home for dinner.' Design engineer Joe Smith, 21, from Chester, also landed a permanent job after taking part in the Summer Progamme while he was studying automotive engineering at Bristol University. He said: 'During the Summer Programme I was working making axles and once we'd made enough axles for the day I would work on the production line assembling the trailers. 'The fact that I took part in the programme has definitely helped me in what I'm doing now, knowing how things are put together on the production line. 'I am really enjoying it and I think I have integrated well, I get along with everybody here. It's interesting work and there's a good career path for me here. They do look after you.' According to Ifor Williams Trailers managing director, John Williams, he was delighted to host the visit by Mr ap Iorwerth and Mr Gruffydd. He said: 'I am grateful to them for taking time out of their busy schedules to come on the visit to find out more about the company. 'They were particularly interested to hear about our Summer Programme that's been designed to bring young people into the business. 'The scheme is an opportunity to give them a great career path working for a successful indigenous Welsh company. 'We're looking for suitable candidates who have a great work ethic and a real desire to learn. 'Having the right attitude is the most important thing because we train people to make sure they have the right skills.'
Leader Live
28-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Paid internships and jobs at Deeside and Denbighshire sites
The positive employment news was revealed during a visit to Ifor Williams Trailers by Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth MS who described the company as a role model for other Welsh businesses. Up to 30 candidates chosen to take part in the Summer Programme at the family-owned firm - which has five sites in Deeside and Denbighshire - will be paid £380 a week. According to the company, the eight to 12-week programme would be ideal for students, graduates and people looking for work experience, either on the production line or in office based roles. Llyr Gruffydd, North Wales MS and Rhun ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru party leader. Photo: Mandy Jones Participants who achieve 100 per cent attendance and work to a high standard throughout the programme will receive a £250 bonus. Mr ap Iorwerth was accompanied on the tour of the company's Sandycroft factory, which makes livestock trailers, by North Wales MS, Llyr Gruffydd. During the visit, they met several graduates of previous Summer Programmes who have since secured permanent jobs with the company. Read more: "Major milestone" as new store set to open at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham They also heard the company is looking to recruit between 50 and 60 people for a variety of jobs across its five sites as a result of its bulging order book. The factories manufacture and supply a wide range of trailers and genuine parts to a network of 50 UK outlets and more than 60 international distributors as far afield as Australia and New Zealand. Mr ap Iorwerth said: "It's always a company I've admired because it's grown so much over the years but I have to say that coming here today I have learned more about them, how they've developed and their ambition to continue growing. Ifor Williams Trailers Plaid Cymru visit to the Sandycroft Site: Centre John Williams - managing director IWT with (L/R) Rhun ap Iorwerth, party leader and Llyr Gruffydd, North Wales MS. Photo: Mandy Jones "What I've discovered today is that it is an even more important company than I realised. The company's story has a real wow factor about it. "It's competing on the highest level right across the world and it's recognised as a best-in-class brand while their original values remain as important as ever, their Welsh roots, their support for local communities while making these incredible products, creating prosperity in the Welsh economy at the same time. Read more: North Wales riding centre 'overwhelmed' as pledge saves them from closure "It is an example of a company that's providing career opportunities for young people, some of whom we've met today. "It's one of our most famous companies and it's the type of company we want to see more of in Wales." It was a point echoed by Mr Gruffydd who added: "It's our ambition as a party to encourage indigenous companies to grow and Ifor Williams Trailers is a perfect example of the type of economy we want to develop, where Welsh companies expand while they continue to have deep roots here. Read more: Flintshire businesswomen recognised by the King for services to education "They are flying the flag for Wales right across the world and it was an eye-opener to learn they have a network of around 60 international distributors. "Wherever they go, they are linked to Wales, whether that's through their products or Wrexham football club which they sponsor. "At the same time, they're providing young people opportunities in terms of training and careers which are second to none and creating prosperity in the communities in which they are based. Read more: North Wales estate agent writes best-selling property book "The Summer Programme is a great way of attracting young people who might not otherwise realise career opportunities like this existed. "It's a story of success for both the company and the employees who've made the most of the opportunities they've been given." Among the Summer Programme graduates the pair met was Bedwyr Pritchard, 17, who operates a robot welder at their Ty'n Llidiart factory in Corwen. He said: "I was really pleased that I was accepted to take part in the Summer Programme and I learned a lot. Read more: Firm's joint heads of crime awarded coveted Higher Rights "It was great and I was very happy when I was offered a job at the end of it. I'm really enjoying my job. Everybody there is nice and very kind. I live across the road to the factory so I can even go home for dinner." Design engineer Joe Smith, 21, from Chester, also landed a permanent job after taking part in the Summer Progamme while he was studying automotive engineering at Bristol University. He said: "During the Summer Programme I was working making axles and once we'd made enough axles for the day I would work on the production line assembling the trailers. Read more: Consultation open over plans to turn former Saltney pub into nine HMO bedsits "The fact that I took part in the programme has definitely helped me in what I'm doing now, knowing how things are put together on the production line. "I am really enjoying it and I think I have integrated well, I get along with everybody here. It's interesting work and there's a good career path for me here. They do look after you." According to Ifor Williams Trailers managing director, John Williams, he was delighted to host the visit by Mr ap Iorwerth and Mr Gruffydd. Read more: Local businesses 'never imagined' being featured on hit show Welcome to Wrexham He said: "I am grateful to them for taking time out of their busy schedules to come on the visit to find out more about the company. "They were particularly interested to hear about our Summer Programme that's been designed to bring young people into the business. "The scheme is an opportunity to give them a great career path working for a successful indigenous Welsh company. Read more: It's A Knockout at Mold Carnival - are you up for the challenge? "We're looking for suitable candidates who have a great work ethic and a real desire to learn. "Having the right attitude is the most important thing because we train people to make sure they have the right skills." • Anybody wanting to take part in the Summer Programme or apply for a permanent job should call the company's recruitment team on 01490 412626, or email applications@ or apply via the Indeed website.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Natural Resources Wales: Fears watchdog lacks cash to do its job
Serious concerns have been raised over the ability of Wales' environmental watchdog to carry out some of its work.A Senedd committee says years of under-investment has meant Natural Resources Wales (NRW) has been stretched until it is "too thin", meaning it now lacks the money to tackle environmental crimes - something that could leave Wales "vulnerable to environmental damage". In its report the committee says it is "gravely concerned" at the cash-strapped body's plan to reduce the number of "low category pollution incidents" it responds said it has gone through a "significant period of change and challenge" and must "live within the resources available to us". The Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee says it is worried about how NRW plans to keep an eye on matters such as fly-tipping, illegal chemical dumping and water says it is "gravely concerned" about proposals to focus on larger environmental incidents and adopt a "higher tolerance of risk" when managing reports of report concludes that "years of under investment have stretched NRW too thin and that the body is already not funded sufficiently to deal with enforcement of environmental crimes in Wales".Committee chair, Plaid Cymru's Llyr Gruffydd, said: "Recent decisions made by NRW are deeply troubling and raise questions about the future of environmental stewardship in Wales."NRW's approach, a consequence of years of inadequate funding in the regulator, is gravely concerning. It leaves Wales vulnerable to environmental damage and fails to honour the values that should guide such a vital body.""By choosing to adopt a 'higher tolerance of risk,' NRW risks turning a blind eye to pollution incidents that, while perhaps deemed less impactful, still erode the health of our ecosystems and communities," Gruffydd added. What does NRW make of the report? NRW said the last year has been a "significant period of change and challenge for our organisation, as we live within the resources available to us"."Despite this, our colleagues have remained steadfast - stepping up time and time again to deliver for the people, places, and wildlife of Wales."On cutting back on responding "low-level" incidents, NRW said: "Of the incidents we attended last year, only 5% were confirmed as having significant or major environmental impact. "The remaining 95% were assessed as minor or causing no impact."This means a substantial proportion of our frontline resource is currently directed at low-impact reports, diverting capacity from higher-impact prevention and enforcement work."In March, the visitor centres at Coed y Brenin, near Dolgellau, and Ynyslas, between Aberystwyth and Machynlleth, as well as Bwlch Nant yr Arian, near Aberystwyth, were closed by NRW to save Senedd committee said this "feels like an abandonment of public trust" and called it "unacceptable that no credible plan or timetable to reopen these centres has been provided yet".NRW said its "focus has been firmly placed on the process to find partners, both community groups and businesses, to register an interest in providing services at the visitor centres".As a result, it said, visitors would be able to buy drinks and cold food at Bwlch Nant yr core grant, from the Welsh government, has not increased in recent years while costs have risen due to high "funding gap" in its budget is set to reach £13m in 2025-26, and will exceed £17m by 2026-27 without has sought to close more than 250 posts with redundancies and not filling is also paying back a loan to the Welsh government which was used to settle a £19m tax bill. The Welsh government said it will consider the findings of the report.
