THE MS and MP for Ynys Môn have called a public meeting to oppose plans for two large-scale solar farms on the island.

Rhun ap Iorwerth MS and Llinos Medi MP will be holding the meeting in Llannerch-y-medd on September 27, providing an opportunity for the public to express their views on the development of the two solar farms.

The 160MW Alaw Môn and 350MW+ Maen Hir projects, developed by Enso Energy and BP Lightsource respectively, would see 3,700 acres of land, approximately two per cent of Ynys Môn’s total land area, being taken up by solar farms. 

This figure would not include the solar farms currently in operation on Ynys Môn.

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The scale of both projects means that the final decision on both will bypass Isle of Anglesey County Council, with a decision to be made on the Alaw Môn project by Welsh Government, while the Maen Hir project will be for UK government ministers to decide on.

As of last week, Welsh Government have confirmed that Enso Energy’s final proposal has been received, with a decision on whether the project goes ahead expected in the new year.

BP Lightsource’s statutory consultation is expected to open soon.

Many residents have raised concerns about the scale of the projects and the impact they could have on both the agricultural and tourism sectors on the island, as well as the island’s natural landscapes and ecology.

The public meeting will be held in Llannerch-y-medd Community School at 5.30pm on September 27, and everyone is welcome to attend.

This will be the second opportunity for the public to come together to discuss these proposals.

In a joint statement ahead of their public meeting, Mr ap Iorwerth and Ms Medi said: “We continue to share the deep concerns that many on Ynys Môn have about the development of two large-scale solar farms on the island. 

“The extent of the impact these two proposals taken together could have on key sectors such as agriculture and tourism has become ever clearer in recent months, as has the lack of employment and economic opportunities these developments will offer for communities on Ynys Môn.

“There can be no doubt that solar has an important role to play as part of the renewable energy generation mix if we are to fulfil our ambitions of reaching net zero, but there are better and far more innovative ways of producing solar energy than placing panels on vast swathes of agricultural land.

“This method is the cheapest and most profitable for private developers, but the most damaging for our local communities.

“Green energy generation can and must be delivered in ways that are in tune with our communities' needs.

“In the meantime, we will continue to urge the Welsh Government to reject the proposal they’ve now received to build a 160MW solar farm, and on BP Lightsource to halt their proposals and consider far more innovative ways of producing solar energy.”