Unique geography, a strategic location and decades of maritime
and industrial expertise position Welsh ports as a natural
gateway to unlocking the extraordinary potential of offshore
wind.
That's the message from the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy
and Planning, , as she launches the Welsh
Government's Port Prospectus at the Future Energy Wales
conference today.
The offshore wind sector is projected to create 29,000 jobs,
generate a £4.5 billion economic impact, and power more than four
million homes across Wales by 2030. Total offshore wind capacity
is forecasted to reach over 20 gigawatts around Wales by 2045.
Located less than 50km from designated development areas in the
Celtic Sea, with a coastline that delivers natural deep-water
harbours and established supply chains, the Prospectus showcases
how Welsh ports are uniquely placed to capitalise on this
opportunity.
This is alongside the existing opportunity off the north Wales
coastline, where more than 500 wind turbines have already been
positioned from the Port of Mostyn, and where Wales is home to
the UK's first fixed bottom offshore wind farm.
Wales' two Freeports provide investors with tax incentives,
streamlined customs processes, and development-ready sites, while
a wide range of financial support is available to companies via
investment and infrastructure programmes. The Welsh Government is
also investing in renewable energy skills across Wales.
Speaking ahead of the Future Energy Wales conference,
hosted by RenewableUK Cymru at the ICC Wales in
Newport, , said:
“The UK's clean energy revolution is a generational opportunity
to build a cleaner, more prosperous future for our communities
whilst delivering the infrastructure Britain needs for energy
security.
“Wales stands at the heart of the clean energy transition – with
a coastline that delivers natural deep-water harbours, proximity
to major wind lease zones, and an agile, ready-to-scale supply
chain we represent one of Europe's most strategic locations for
offshore wind development.
“Our Ports Prospectus outlines how our approach to offshore wind
is collaborative, targeted and strategic, ensuring long-term
value for investors and communities alike.”
Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager for Wales and South West,
Associated British Ports, said:
“The Ports Prospectus highlights the vital role of our Welsh
ports in unlocking the potential of offshore wind. Associated
British Ports (ABP's) ports of Swansea and Port Talbot are
uniquely placed to support the growth of onshore, fixed bottom
and floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. With proximity to
development areas, large areas of developable land and
established transport links, they are ideally placed to provide
the infrastructure and supply chain capability for this growing
industry.”
Jim O'Toole, Managing Director of the Port of Mostyn, said:
“The Ports Prospectus highlights Mostyn's successful track record
of working with companies within the offshore wind
sector. To date, we have deployed over 500 turbines and are
in the process of developing new multi-purpose quayside
infrastructure for future fixed and floating foundation projects.
The Port has also recently acquired adjoining industrial land to
offer enhanced manufacturing and marshalling facilities.”
Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, said:
"Boosted by Celtic Freeport's investment incentives, Pembroke
Port offers a prime gateway to floating offshore wind in the
Celtic Sea, with unrivalled proximity to the proposed array
sites, a wealth of energy industry experience and an extensive,
highly skilled engineering and heavy lift supply chain. We're
also focused on future developments with potential to create
longer quays, deeper water access and heavier load capacity. We
are ready to support the build-out of FLOW and anchor a
world-class supply chain in Wales.”
Notes to editors
Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of Celtic Freeport said:
“The Welsh Ports Prospectus rightly highlights the scale of
opportunity for Wales in floating offshore wind, building on the
momentum of The Crown Estate's recent Celtic Sea leasing round.
Celtic Freeport is advancing FLOW terminal capacity and supply
chain opportunities at Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot. Through our
wider industry, innovation and education partnerships, we
are accelerating major development through a combination of
investment incentives and dedicated programmes to ensure Wales
establishes itself as a global leader in this new industry as
it takes shape.”
Ian Davies, Head of UK Port Authorities at Stena Line, said:
"Anglesey Freeport welcomes the release of the Ports Prospectus.
We are committed to realising the potential of our proximity to
Holyhead Port, the second largest Ro-Ro port in the UK, as well
as the advantages granted by both the Freeport designation and
Anglesey's unique position to deliver low carbon energy. We look
forward to further collaboration with Welsh and UK Government to
attract investment, protect the Welsh language and culture, and
create thousands of new jobs, skills and training opportunities."
