Pembrokeshire set to benefit from UK marine energy task force
A MAJOR announcement at this year's Marine Energy Wales Conference in Cardiff has placed Pembrokeshire at the centre of the UK's marine renewable energy future.
In a keynote address delivered virtually, Michael Shanks MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, confirmed the formation of a new industry-led Marine Energy Task Force. The task force will work to unlock the UK's full potential in wave and tidal technologies, with west Wales playing a key role.
Minister Shanks told delegates: 'I'm pleased to announce that an industry-led Marine Energy Task Force is being assembled to consider marine energy deployment throughout the UK. Its key outcome will be the delivery of a strategic roadmap, including recommendations for removing barriers, along with estimates of the investment required to deliver the UK's marine energy potential.'
The task force will be facilitated by the Marine Energy Council, with findings expected to inform future government policy. The move is seen as a strategic effort to accelerate clean energy development and promote regional growth in coastal communities.
Wales has already attracted £292 million in marine energy investment and created 429 full-time jobs in the sector. With the Celtic Sea leasing process (Round 5) now in its final stages, up to 4.5 GW of floating offshore wind capacity could be developed, unlocking a potential £1.4 billion boost to the UK economy and creating more than 5,000 jobs.
Welsh ports including Milford Haven, Swansea and Port Talbot were singled out by the minister as key delivery partners for future projects.
Tidal stream energy was described as a continued priority, with more than 130 MW of capacity expected to be in place by 2029, supported by recent success in Contracts for Difference (CfD) rounds. Wave energy technologies are also receiving continued R&D backing, with commercial viability seen as achievable in the near future.
Jay Sheppard, Project Manager at Marine Energy Wales, said: 'The formation of the Marine Energy Task Force marks a critical step in turning ambition into action. For too long, the potential of our marine resources has been acknowledged but underutilised. Pembrokeshire, with its natural assets and committed stakeholders, is well-placed to lead the way in unlocking the benefits of marine energy for communities and the wider economy.'
The announcement follows renewed commitments from both the Welsh Government and UK Government to deepen cooperation on clean energy. Marine Energy Wales says it will continue working closely with local partners in Pembrokeshire and beyond to ensure that the region benefits from the opportunities created.
The Herald understands that the initiative represents a clear signal of support for floating wind and tidal stream technologies, which have both seen growing investment and interest along the west Wales coast.
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