A proposed hydroelectric scheme in Gwynedd has received high-profile political support.
The scheme by brothers Dafydd, Elis, and Moi of Cwm Cynfal near Llan Ffestiniog aims to generate renewable energy for 700 homes and help the Welsh Government meet its target of 70 per cent of energy needs from renewable sources by 2030.
The project has received consultation support from several bodies including Ffestiniog Town Council, Cadw, Natural Resources Wales, Gwynedd Council, the National Park Authority, and various interest groups.
The scheme is capable of producing up to 2 million kWh of renewable energy annually, which could result in a saving of nearly 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd MS Mabon ap Gwynfor said: "The climate emergency is the biggest challenge facing humanity and the target of achieving net zero by 2050 is fast approaching.
"It will be almost impossible to reach the target without schemes like this."
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Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts added her support, saying: "The scheme is located in an environmentally sensitive area and it is therefore gratifying to know of all the work carried out by various experts in their field to document the nature of the site.
"The Authority has approved several hydro schemes in the area during the past twenty years and they have blended into the landscape of Eryri, with the majority of the public not even aware of their existence."
The proposed hydro scheme will form part of Energy Local, a community interest company based in North Wales that aims to create fair and more sustainable energy systems for communities across the United Kingdom.
Plans show that a weir would be built upstream of the waterfall, which will not impact the natural appearance of the falls, experts and consultants have found within the planning application.
They said: "The plan is to help the country reach net zero, and to do that Wales needs a mix of different types of renewable energy.
"From evidence-based information and correct mitigation, It’s important to us that the land and environment will not be adversely affected, and the specialists and experts commissioned have concluded that the scheme will have minimal effects on the location.
"We are passionate about the region in and around our farm and are determined to protect the river and the local ecosystem.
"We have taken every precaution, including a full environmental impact assessment, to ensure that there is minimal negative impact."
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