Anglesey’s Executive has backed plans to create a dedicated ‘Energy Island Team’.
The decision taken earlier this week reaffirms the Authority’s commitment to its Energy Island vision, which would see Anglesey develop into a powerhouse for the north west Wales economy.
The Anglesey Energy Island vision hopes to create jobs through both nuclear and renewable energy projects.
When up and running, the new team will be tasked with investigating all possible sources of energy opportunities on the Island. Officers from within the Council’s Economic Development Unit will be redeployed to lead the team.
Council Leader, Councillor Clive McGregor, stressed, “The creation the new team demonstrates the huge significance we place on developing the Energy Island vision.”
“With funding now in place, the new Energy Island team will enhance the good work that the Council’s Economic Development Unit has already been undertaking in this area. It will provide the necessary added focus working on key energy projects like the proposed new build at Wylfa and other emerging renewables projects.”
The Authority hopes to turn Anglesey into a centre for excellence for energy generation, by building on its solid power platform around Wylfa Nuclear Power Station, as well as harnessing the island’s natural resource of the wind, tide and other smaller micro generation projects. The potential also exists to explore the development of various other forms of renewable energy going forward.
Interim Managing Director, David Bowles, said, “Energy is of course a growth sector with the potential to create jobs whilst also meeting the sustainability agenda. Anglesey, given its location, is well placed to become a hub for various energy streams, be they nuclear, wind, biomass or tidal. These schemes, should they come to fruition will help us develop Anglesey into the Energy Island.”
The Energy Island concept will become a priority for over the next few years as a priority for the County Council, working with both the private sector and key stakeholders such as the Welsh Assembly Government, as a means of protecting and developing the Island’s economy. The Anglesey Energy Island team will initially be in place for a four year fixed term.
