Back to News March 16

Countryside Renewables sold 49.9 MW solar project to EDF

Countryside Renewables has secured a successful sale of its 49.9 MW (AC) North Anglesey Solar plus Storage Project to EDF Renewables, who will be moving forward with construction and operation of the project. As one of the largest consented solar projects in Wales and one of a new standard size of large-scale solar projects in the UK, it will make a significant contribution to Wales reaching its net zero CO2 emissions target by 2050.

John Dunlop, Managing Partner of Countryside Renewables, said “We’re proud to have achieved the construction-ready milestone, after having fully developed the site from initial concept. The project is now moving on to the next investment stage of construction and operation with EDF Renewables. The project is well positioned for potential expansion and for the addition of onsite battery storage.”

Mark Connolly, Director at Countryside Renewables, added “We’re grateful to all of the stakeholders who cooperated with us in solving the challenges along the way. We were able to keep grid connection costs reasonable through applying best practice and to co-locate with a third-party wind farm through constructive negotiations.”

The North Anglesey Solar Project (to be named Porth Wen by EDF Renewables) was developed by Countryside Renewables to subtly merge into the surrounding countryside and to have very low visual impact, as much of the development is far from general view. Sheep will continue to graze on the site and a one-mile-long wildlife corridor will be established. The project will provide local schools with a community benefit of £10,000 per year. It will also liaise with the North Wales Economic Ambition Board to ensure local and regional contractors are informed of opportunities when the project gets to the contract procurement stage.

Countryside Renewables developed the project to be one of the most commercially competitive renewable energy projects in the UK due to its good coastal location with high solar irradiation, large scale and on-site grid connection. Generations to come will benefit from its low-cost, clean electricity for electric vehicles and for the UK to reach its net zero CO2 emissions obligation by 2050.

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