We’re moving into the delivery phase, turning ambitious plans into tangible progress, writes Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of the Celtic Freeport.
The Celtic Freeport spans the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot, linking clean energy developments and innovation assets with fuel terminals, a power station, heavy engineering, manufacturing hubs, logistics centres and the steel industry.
Our vision is to create an investment and innovation corridor that drives inward investment, future skills development and national decarbonisation, while – crucially – supporting established industries.
Moving from vision to delivery requires a clear governance model, targeted enabling infrastructure and close public-private sector collaboration.
Investment plans are advancing in low-carbon energy hubs, the hydrogen economy and manufacturing capacity, through a whole energy system approach across South Wales.
A focused pipeline of projects across our two tax sites is now progressing. On the Milford Haven Tax Site, over the coming months the Dragon Renewables Energy Park will add three onshore wind turbines integrated with the existing solar farm, while West Wales Hydrogen, Pembroke Green Hydrogen and Haush Hydrogen are progressing green hydrogen schemes.
RWE is advancing a 350 MW battery energy storage system, due to be operational by 2028.
In addition, the Milford Haven CO₂ Project (led by RWE and Dragon LNG), Project Dragon and Criterion Quay are progressing to ensure we have the tailored infrastructure needed to support the rollout of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), carbon storage and floating offshore wind (FLOW).
On the Neath Port Talbot Tax Site, ABP’s flagship project – Future Port Talbot – will transform the port into an internationally renowned hub for FLOW and wider green energy activity, with planning applications being prepared.
Project Dragon at Port Talbot has secured planning permission to produce 100 million litres of SAF annually from sustainably sourced ethanol – meeting around 1% of the UK’s jet fuel demand.
Our role is catalytic.
The Celtic Freeport will provide the backbone for a cleaner future, founded on the hydrogen economy, sustainable fuels, carbon capture, energy storage, cleaner steel, advanced manufacturing and low-carbon logistics.
We are supporting existing industries while accelerating a fair and inclusive transition to a greener economy – empowering communities and building a resilient future.
By developing a world-class industrial and innovation corridor, we will harness Wales’ strengths in energy, engineering and manufacturing to drive skills development and industrial growth.
We measure success through private investment mobilised, jobs sustained and created, emissions reduced and supply chains strengthened.
Communities benefit through apprenticeships, local procurement and clear skills pathways.
The Celtic Freeport is supporting the industries of today to build tomorrow’s green economy.
Read more here: Wales’ Investment Summit
