A new comprehensive action plan aims to maximise Wales' offshore
wind potential and secure long-term economic benefits.
A task and finish group, established earlier this year, brought
together the collective effort of sector leads across Wales –
covering developers, ports, manufacturing and skills.
Their aim was to identify what needs to be done in partnership
with the Crown Estate, industry and social partners to secure
lasting economic and social value to Wales.
Wales has been at the forefront of offshore wind projects,
hosting the first fixed offshore wind developments in North
Wales.
Today, Wales has a significant pipeline of more than 15 GW of
offshore wind projects around its coastline, in Welsh, English
and Irish waters.
The sector represents a significant opportunity with the prospect
of £4.8bn for Welsh businesses and over 3,000 jobs.
Announcing the new action plan during Wind Week, the Cabinet
Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, , said she wanted to ‘drive
forward the renewable energy revolution, ensuring that Wales
remains at the forefront':
"Last week, we welcomed the announcement that offshore wind in
the Celtic Sea was moving from planning into development and
delivery.
“With two successful bidders announced to develop three gigawatts
of clean energy, and a clear commitment from the Crown Estate to
deliver the full 4.5GW, we see the start of billions of pounds of
investment and thousands of jobs.
“All the evidence shows the strategic importance of local ports
to the developers of offshore wind projects, and I am delighted
the UK Government confirmed up to £80m in the Spending Review to
kickstart the investment in the port at Port Talbot.
“This truly is a once in a generation opportunity for our ports
and will be a catalyst for economic regeneration in our coastal
communities.”
Coordinated by Tim Pick, former UK Offshore Wind Champion, the
task and finish group has now set out key recommendations,
including:
- Establishing a forum by autumn 2025 where project developers,
government, and other key partners to enable better coordination
between stakeholders, helping to maximise local benefits from new
wind farms in the Celtic Sea.
- Streamlining the planning and consent process, reducing
delays and providing developers with a clear roadmap of
requirements through improved coordination between parties to
significantly accelerate project timelines and reduce costs.
- Implementing targeted support for Welsh businesses to enter
the offshore wind supply chain, with particular focus on
connecting SMEs with larger companies to transform this untapped
potential into actual business opportunities, particularly in
areas of existing strength like project management and
engineering.
- Coordinating skills development initiatives across
educational institutions to address the sector-specific skills
gap in areas like wind turbine technology and high-voltage
electrical engineering so local communities can access the
high-quality jobs created.
- Integrating the Welsh steel and concrete sectors with
offshore wind development, particularly for floating offshore
wind foundations and substructures
Ajai Ahluwalia, Head of Supply Chain for RenewableUK, said:
“We are pleased to see clear, practical actions that respond
directly to industry calls for greater certainty, stronger
collaboration, and urgent delivery.
“Offshore wind is one of the UK's greatest industrial
opportunities — with the potential to transform Wales' heartland
sectors, like steel and advanced manufacturing.
“Over the next decade alone, £32 billion in economic value is at
stake, including a £4.8 billion opportunity for Welsh businesses
and 3,370 well-paid jobs.
“To unlock that value, we must now move swiftly from planning to
implementation — and industry stands ready to work with
government to make it happen.”
Notes to editors
Offshore Wind Task and
Finish Group action plan: 2025 to 2026 | GOV.WALES
