At the Future Energy Wales conference, Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, launched the Welsh Government’s Port Prospectus, highlighting Wales’ pivotal role in the UK’s clean energy future.
With the Celtic Freeport’s expansion plans at Pembroke Dock and Port Talbot central to this vision, Wales is set to harness its unique geography, deep-water ports and industrial expertise to become a global leader in floating offshore wind (FLOW).
Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning: “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.”
Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of Celtic Freeport, welcomed the Ports Prospectus and its emphasis on collaboration across the Welsh ports sector: “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.”
Ashley Curnow, Divisional Port Manager for Wales and South West at Associated British Ports (ABP), said: “The Ports Prospectus highlights the vital role of our Welsh ports in unlocking the potential of offshore wind. 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.”
Tom Sawyer, Chief Executive at the Port of Milford Haven, commented: “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.”
