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 slash its carbon footprint by an impressive 86%, putting it ahead of schedule for its goal to be net zero by 2030.
The Science Park, which houses over 50 innovative SMEs, established its net zero ambitions in 2021 and not only are they working towards the goal, but they are taking the community of SMEs at M-SParc with them. 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.
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 have been working to develop robust and comprehensive Net Zero plans, and our 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.
This ambitious move aligns with Wales’s vision for a net zero future and strengthens M-SParc’s position as a leader in sustainable innovation.
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary Visit
Underscoring the importance of M-SParc’s achievement, Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, visited the science park on Thursday, 6 March 2025. During her visit, she met with some of the region’s most forward-thinking businesses driving innovation in the low-carbon sector and hosted a North-West Wales Regional Business Event, reinforcing 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, before adding:
“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.”
Ynni Cymru plays a pivotal role in expanding local and community owned renewable energy generation across Wales. Their support enables pioneering initiatives like this to drive meaningful change in Wales’s journey to net zero.
Rhys Horan, Programme Director at Ynni Cymru, reaffirmed the commitment of Welsh Government:
“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, emphasised the impact of the funding:
“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.
With this latest milestone, M-SParc continues to lead by example, demonstrating that a net zero future is not just a target—it’s within reach.
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 rhodri@m-sparc.com. Details on the course can be found at https://m-sparc.com/carbon-literacy/
Photo:
From left: Dr Debbie Jones and Pryderi ap Rhisiart (M-SParc), Rebecca Evans MS, Rhys Horan (Ynni Cymru), Edmund Burke (Bangor Unviersity Vice Chancellor), Nicola Kneale, Grant Paisley and Ness Dean-Richards (Ynni Cymru).
