The launch of an archeological survey at Parc Cybi this week marks a significant milestone for the Holyhead Hydrogen Hub. A key part of meeting planning conditions, the survey will be carried out before construction starts on site.
The Hub which is a Menter Môn project, supported by the Isle of Anglesey County Council, will be the first of its kind in Wales. It is seen as an important step as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions as well as a catalyst to boost the local economy. Green hydrogen will be produced at the site and distributed as fuel for zero emission hydrogen-powered vehicles.
The company undertaking the survey is Wardell-Armstrong. The work will be supervised by the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust. North Wales contractors, Jones Bros and Cadarn Consulting Engineering have been appointed to support the project at this early stage. The work started on June 26th and is expected to last around 28 days to complete.
Justin Mason, Energy Business Development Manager at Menter Môn, said: “Seeing work starting on the ground is an important step for us at the Hub. Coming just a few weeks after the announcement of our Memorandum of Understanding with international hydrogen business, Hynamics, this is an exciting time to be involved with the development.
“The launch of archaeological survey is the culmination of several years’ work by Menter Môn and our partners. Planning consent was secured in 2022, this followed an earlier feasibility study which recognised local employment and supply chain opportunities as well as the environmental benefits of a hydrogen hub. I’m pleased that Menter Môn is again leading the way in terms of renewables and tackling climate change.”
Dafydd Gruffydd is Managing Director at Menter Môn; he added: “We are pleased that work is now underway at the Parc Cybi site. It means we are a step closer to making the Hydrogen Hub a reality and becoming a greener island which is making an important contribution to reaching the net zero targets of both Wales and UK governments. As a home-grown project, it also means benefits and opportunities are can be kept local.”
The Hub is part of the Energy Island programme. Welsh Government has provided seed funding from 2020-2023 enabling the project to progress to this point with additional support expected to be announced over the coming weeks. UK Government has also pledged support as it aims to achieve its net zero targets by 2050.
