Wales Enterprise Zone expands for marine renewables

The boundaries of Anglesey Enterprise Zone are to be extended to include a new marine renewable energy zone and the Menai Science Park site.

Wales government said the new sites include the West Anglesey Demonstration Zone, a 37 km2 of seabed off the west coast of Anglesey, and Cefn Du, the 21 hectare site in Gaerwen earmarked for the Menai Science Park (M-SParc).

The West Anglesey Demonstration Zone has already been designated by the Crown Estate for the development of up to ten renewable tidal power installations with a total cumulative production capacity of 120 MW, Welsh government’s press release reads.

Edwina Hart, Economy Minister of Wales, said: “Both locations have the potential to make a significant long term contribution to the local and regional economy and gaining Enterprise Zone status will make these sites particularly attractive propositions for investment and job creation.

“Enterprise Zones deliver tangible benefits for businesses and the inclusion of these sites are designed to ensure we are in pole position to maximise all the economic benefits arising from marine renewable energy projects as well as the wider R&D in the energy and environment sector that will be undertaken at Menai Science Park.”

According to the Welsh government, the area is considered to have one of the best tidal energy properties in the UK and will be managed by Menter Mon through the Morlais project that aims to accelerate deployment of tidal energy in the region.

Anglesey Enterprise Zone Chairman Neil Rowlands said: “This is excellent news and a significant boost that will help deliver the outcomes we all want to achieve – the regeneration of the economy, job creation, new investment and a secure and sustainable future for Anglesey.”

M-SParc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Bangor University, is to be developed on Cefn Du where the initial focus will be on innovative science based R&D projects with an emphasis on energy, environmental services and clean technology.

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Images: Welsh Labour/Morlais Energy