As the climate crisis intensifies, food security has become a critical concern. In constituencies like mine – Ynys Môn – the need to protect agriculture alongside renewable energy projects is increasingly pressing. With the island traditionally known for its fertile lands, balancing food production and sustainable energy generation is more crucial than ever.
As well as being known for our food production, Ynys Môn is also called ‘Energy Island’. We have long produced energy, and we are well-placed to contribute significantly to the UK’s clean energy goals. The island already has various renewable energy projects, including tidal initiatives, onshore wind farms, solar farms, and a historic nuclear site at Wylfa. A proposed new nuclear plant at Wylfa could boost local employment, stabilise the energy supply, and strengthen the local economy.
However, two new large-scale solar projects, Maen Hir and Alaw Môn, may challenge this balance. These plans would cover roughly 3,700 acres – around 2% of Ynys Môn’s land, or around the same size as the city of Wrexham. Maen Hir, the larger project, would span 3,173 acres, five times the size of the UK’s largest active solar farm. The developer, Lightsource bp, claims the project will allow for mixed land use, including livestock grazing and wildflower planting. However, these promises do little to offset the serious threat it poses to local farmers.
Most farmers on Ynys Môn lease rather than own their land, meaning any income from lease fees would go to landlords, not farmers themselves. Losing access to land would seriously impact farmers’ livelihoods, with an estimated 31 farms’ worth of land potentially occupied by solar panels. This could devastate the island’s agricultural economy. The Farmers’ Union of Wales states that each hectare of agricultural land in Wales generates roughly £568 in gross value added (GVA). For Maen Hir, covering over 3,000 acres, the resulting loss could amount to £558,000 in GVA over the project’s 60-year life, while only creating 12 full-time jobs – fewer jobs than a small local shop.
The financial implications are stark. While the companies involved stand to gain billions, the local community would see an estimated £33 million loss in GVA. Adding to local concerns, Lightsource bp has suggested the potential for compulsory purchase orders for land, further unsettling local farmers, whose livelihoods could be sacrificed for corporate interests.
The sustainable future of Welsh communities depends on policies that respect local heritage while advancing towards clean energy goals. The Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 underscores the importance of responsible development to protect future generations’ interests. As noted by the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, a resilient agricultural strategy is essential for a sustainable future. Securing a supply of high-quality, locally grown food remains critical, especially for younger generations. Farming communities, integral to Welsh culture and economic stability, are key to this.
At present, only 6% of vegetables served in Welsh school meals are locally grown. With climate change posing risks to global food production, increasing local food sourcing is crucial. The UK Government’s Solar Taskforce has set a target of 70 GW of solar energy by 2035, a significant leap from current capacity. But reaching this target must not come at the cost of farmland. Protecting valuable agricultural land from large solar farms requires more strategic planning, such as prioritising rooftop solar on buildings and car parks. The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) estimates that rooftop and car park space across the UK could produce up to 117 GW, far exceeding the government’s target.
Renewable energy should be harnessed thoughtfully. Ynys Môn’s clean energy potential extends well beyond solar, with promising growth in tidal and wind power, notably the Morlais tidal project. By 2050, Wales could potentially triple its energy usage and still have excess to export. The UK Government has an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to this by setting a target of 1 GW for tidal stream power by 2035.
Ynys Môn’s path forward lies in balancing renewable energy with food security, focusing on local needs and sustaining its traditional dual role as a source of food and energy. To achieve this, government policies must promote community-friendly solutions and avoid large-scale developments on agricultural land, which threaten local livelihoods and food resilience. Supporting smaller solar projects and boosting investments in wind and tidal power would allow Ynys Môn to maintain its agricultural heritage while progressing towards a sustainable future.
It’s time to listen to local communities, protect the island’s agricultural sector, and harness Ynys Môn’s energy potential in a way that supports future generations.
Balancing food security and green energy amid the climate crisis
