The commencement of an archaeological survey at Parc Cybi marks a key milestone in the development of the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub, the first facility of its kind in Wales.
As a significant part of the planning conditions, this survey will ensure that the construction project respects the site’s historical heritage.
This Menter Môn-led project, backed by Anglesey County Council, carries with it high hopes. It represents a crucial step in the bid to reduce carbon emissions and catalyze the local economy.
Green hydrogen, generated at the Hub, will be used to fuel zero-emission, hydrogen-powered vehicles. Wardell-Armstrong, a UK-based environmental and engineering consultancy, will undertake the survey, under the watchful eye of the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust. North Wales contractors Jones Bros and Cadarn Consulting Engineering have also been enlisted to support the project at this formative stage. The archaeological survey began on June 26th and is expected to take roughly 28 days to complete.
The Hub is a key part of the Energy Island program, receiving seed funding from the Welsh Government from 2020 to 2023. This support has been instrumental in bringing the project to this stage. The upcoming weeks are set to bring announcements of further aid, while the UK Government has already pledged nearly £5m in support, aligning with its ambition to achieve net-zero targets by 2050.
Justin Mason, energy business development manager at Menter Môn, said the start of work is a significant advancement for the Hub. Coming on the heels of the Memorandum of Understanding with the international hydrogen business Hynamics, it’s an exciting phase for everyone involved in the development.
The securing of planning consent in 2022 followed an earlier feasibility study that outlined local employment and supply chain opportunities and underscored the environmental benefits of a hydrogen hub.
Dafydd Gruffydd, managing Director at Menter Môn, expressed delight over the commencement of work at the Parc Cybi site. He stated that they are a step closer to actualizing the Hydrogen Hub and becoming a greener island, a goal that aligns with the net-zero targets of both the Welsh and UK governments. As a local project, it also ensures that benefits and opportunities are retained within the community.
This undertaking represents a substantial move towards a greener future for Wales, demonstrating the country’s commitment to combat climate change through innovative and sustainable energy solutions.
