M-SParc has taken a major step toward becoming the UK’s first net zero science park thanks to a significant funding boost from Ynni Cymru.
The grant, totalling £624,500, will allow M-SParc to cut its carbon footprint by 86%, putting it ahead of schedule for its goal to be net zero by 2030.
The Science Park, which houses more than 50 innovative SMEs, established its net zero ambitions in 2021. It says that its community of SMEs is on the journey towards the net zero goal alongside it.
Ynni Cymru is a publicly-owned energy company for Wales which aims to give people and communities control over local resources and renewable energy initiatives.
The funding, secured by M-SParc’s Egni team, will enable the installation of air-source heat pumps, eliminating the need for natural gas heating, and the expansion of on-site solar energy generation to 145kW, reducing reliance on the national grid.
The Egni team has been working to develop “robust and comprehensive” net zero plans. The organisation's net zero 2030 targets are approved by the Science Based Target Initiative (SBTi) – an internationally renowned standardisation body – as meeting the requirement of the 2015 Paris Climate protocol.
Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, visited the science park and met some of the region’s most forward-thinking businesses driving innovation in the low-carbon sector. She also hosted a North-West Wales Regional Business Event, which M-SParc said reinforced the Welsh Government’s commitment to a sustainable economy.
“This transformative project perfectly embodies our commitment to building a greener, more prosperous Wales,” said Rebecca Evans MS.
“M-SParc’s partnership with Ynni Cymru shows how we’re delivering real benefits for communities and businesses. By supporting M-SParc on their journey to become the UK's first net zero science park, we're not just cutting carbon emissions – we're nurturing the businesses and technologies that will drive Wales' sustainable economy for decades to come.”
Rhys Horan, Programme Director at Ynni Cymru, said:
“Smart local energy systems are pivotal in achieving net zero. Working across communities, the public sector and with businesses, Ynni Cymru has awarded £10 million of Welsh Government funding to 32 smart local energy system projects across the length and breadth of Wales. These projects will help demonstrate the benefits of local, smart, and flexible approaches to energy generation and consumption. In April, we will announce further detail on our next round of funding.”
Dr Debbie Jones, Low Carbon Innovation Manager at M-SParc, said:
“The Low Carbon Energy sector is vital to North Wales, and M-SParc is at the heart of its growth. This funding from Ynni Cymru accelerates our net zero ambitions, benefitting our tenants, strengthening the regional economy, and making a real difference for the planet.”
Since its establishment in 2021, the Egni team has been instrumental in supporting businesses across North Wales to decarbonise, fostering skills and supply chain opportunities within the sector, and inspiring young people to pursue careers in STEM.
This investment is the latest in a series of initiatives by M-SParc, ranging from the establishment of an EV pool car programme and the Diffod Y SParc behavioural campaign, to enhancements in building systems.
Business leaders and organisations who wish to learn from M-SParc’s experiences and who want to learn what Net Zero means are encouraged to participate in the accredited carbon literacy course as a starting point by contacting [email protected].
Details on the course can be found at https://m-sparc.com/carbon-literacy/.
