Latest news with #MarineEnergyWales
Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
'Ambitious' Clean Energy Path Needed for Wales to Capitalise on Benefits of Renewables
Wales must pursue an 'ambitious pathway' to fully realise the benefits of renewable energy. The call came as a major new report by RenewableUK Cymru, in collaboration with Solar Energy UK, and Marine Energy Wales, outlined a national assessment of the full economic, social and environmental value of all renewable technologies out to 2035, and a clear roadmap for realising their potential in Wales. 'Unleashing the Full Value of Welsh Renewables' was launched at the Senedd. Backed by analysis from BiGGAR Economics, the research suggests that by embracing an 'ambitious' renewables strategy, Wales could deliver: 17.9GW of installed renewable capacity £46.9 billion in private investment, with more than £10 billion flowing to Welsh businesses. Nearly 8,000 skilled, high-paid jobs with salaries 26% higher the Welsh average in every part of Wales. Almost £2 billion in tax revenue to support public services, with onshore wind the highest contributor to local authorities. £183 million in direct community benefit funds for local initiatives. 13 million tonnes of CO2 emissions saved by 2035 – the equivalent of taking almost 10 million cars off the road. The report models three distinct economic scenarios for Wales's renewable energy future — Current Targets, Increased Ambition, and Maximising Renewables. Director of RenewableUK Cymru Jessica Hooper said: 'The analysis makes clear that only by pursuing the most ambitious pathway can Wales fully realise the economic and societal benefits on offer for investment, job creation, community wealth-building and nature restoration. This isn't just another report — it's a call to action. 'This is an opportunity too big to ignore — or to delay. We must invest in grid infrastructure, ports, skills, and planning systems to capture this opportunity before it slips through our fingers.' Supporting the report launch, Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales, said: 'Scaling up renewables is not just about hitting climate targets, it is a major economic opportunity for Wales. 'We have the natural resources, industrial capability and talent to become a world leader in renewable energy, but to seize that opportunity we must be bold. Unlocking our full renewable energy potential means powering a new era of green growth, skilled jobs and shared prosperity in every part of Wales. This report makes clear the size of the prize. With the right policies, investment and political will, Wales can lead, and we intend to.' The report also shows how renewables align with the Well-being of Future Generations Act, supporting 86% of national well-being indicators and contributing directly to all seven goals, including a resilient, prosperous, and globally responsible Wales. This landmark research comes at a critical time for Wales, says RenewableUK Cymru, as momentum builds around a dedicated Renewables Sector Deal. The organisation says the report offers a robust evidence base, a clear pathway forward, and identifies the key policy levers needed to form a strategic partnership between government and industry. It calls on decision-makers to set minimum deployment targets for all renewable technologies, which it describes as a 'vital step toward delivering the Maximising Renewables scenario and unlocking the full economic potential for Wales'.
Western Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire woman wins marine energy sector award
Hayley Williams, Pembrokeshire College's curriculum development manager, was announced as the winner of the second-ever Ysbryd Y Môr award at the annual Marine Energy Wales conference in Cardiff. Accepting her award at the conference's networking dinner at the Parkgate Hotel, Ms Williams said: "When it comes to good projects and trying to inspire people, I don't do this on my own, I rely heavily on many others: Arwyn Williams and Kadi Berry of Pembrokeshire College, the lovely Holly Skyrme from PCF, and the rest of you guys. "Thank you very much." Ms Williams has been instrumental in launching initiatives such as the Destination Renewables programme and the Maritime Pre-Cadetship during her time at Pembrokeshire College. She is also credited for the creation of the SPARC Alliance, established to tackle the issue of the gender disparity in STEM and energy sectors. A colleague said of her work: "When she stepped into her curriculum development role, it was completely new. "New for the college, and new for her. "But she shaped it from the ground up, drawing on her experience in international education and marketing. "Because of that, she's not just building courses – she's building futures. "For the students of Pembrokeshire, and for the renewable sector as a whole." The SPARC Alliance had significant impacts in its first year. A total of 172 female learners signed up, and more than 880 students across seven secondary schools in Pembrokeshire have engaged in the initiative, securing real-world exposure to industries they might never have considered. The Destination Renewables project she spearheaded is a two-year programme that connects 16-18-year-olds with Wales's green energy sector whilst the Maritime Pre-Cadetship is an initiative that projects pathways into blue careers. Tom Hill, programme manager at Marine Energy Wales, said: "Hayley's passion and persistence to help carve new paths for the industry is truly inspirational to us all at MEW. "Her unwavering efforts and achievements, and what she's made possible for so many others is quietly, steadily and powerfully shaping the future of our sector. "We want to recognise that spark, that courage to say yes, and that ability to bring people together to make the impossible seem quite normal, actually." After working in advertising in London, Ms Williams returned to Wales, originally working in marketing and recruitment before moving into a curriculum development role. Now recognised with the Ysbryd Y Môr award, a testament to her dedication to Wales's marine energy sector, she continues to innovate and impact the sector positively.
North Wales Chronicle
10-05-2025
- Business
- North Wales Chronicle
Morlais scheme highlights expansion at national conference
Ambition North Wales welcomed the recognition given to its Cydnerth project at the Marine Energy Wales conference. The project is an investment in the Morlais tidal energy scheme, which is run by social enterprise Menter Môn. It forms part of the North Wales Growth Deal and aims to support the expansion of Morlais, which is located off the northwest coast of Ynys Cybi (Holy Island), Anglesey. (Image: Supplied) The project will deliver benefits such as driving economic growth, creating high-quality jobs, and ensuring North Wales is a key player in the future of tidal energy and the generation of clean electricity. The First Minister, Eluned Morgan, said: "I'm pleased to announce that Ambition North Wales and Menter Môn Morlais have agreed funding terms in principle for the Cydnerth project. "This £8.9 million investment through the North Wales Growth Deal, which is funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, will futureproof Morlais. "The North Wales Growth Deal investment will now enable the scheme's 18 megawatts grid capacity to increase over time to 240 megawatts." The Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, also backed the project saying: "The UK Government is supportive of the Morlais project, which promises to harness tidal energy and generate high-quality jobs in our coastal communities. "As part of our clean energy mission, we have increased the tidal stream ringfenced budget by 50 per cent which will maximise the opportunities for tidal energy in North Wales and drive economic growth." (Image: Supplied) Councillor Mark Pritchard, chair of Ambition North Wales and leader of Wrexham County Borough Council, said: "The significance of Cydnerth can't be understated. "As the largest consented tidal scheme in Europe, the positive impact and benefits it will bring are substantial, and it will cement our region's place as a leader in tidal energy." Councillor Gary Pritchard, lead member for Ambition North Wales' Low Carbon Energy Programme and leader of Isle of Anglesey County Council, said: "Cydnerth is very positive news for the marine energy sector in Wales and reinforces our region's commitment to a sustainable future – creating the right kind of jobs alongside environmental benefits." Dafydd Gruffydd, managing director of Menter Môn, said: "We are grateful to Ambition North Wales for their investment and continued support through the Cydnerth project. "Through this support from the North Wales Growth Deal we can now take the next step in expanding the Morlais tidal energy scheme, bringing benefits to our communities, creating local jobs, local supply chain opportunities and contributing to the region's sustainable growth."
08-05-2025
- Business
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.
Business News Wales
08-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wales 'On Course to be World Leader' in Marine Energy as Governments Pledge Support
Marine Energy Wales (MEW) has welcomed 'a landmark show of unity and ambition' from the Welsh and UK Governments as they announced significant new investments in Wales's marine renewable energy sector. First Minister Eluned Morgan and Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens appeared together at the Marine Energy Wales Conference in Cardiff. Announcements included support for tidal projects Inyanga and Morlais, and a renewed three-year commitment to Marine Energy Wales itself. Speaking at the event, the First Minister confirmed a £2 million equity investment in Inyanga Marine Energy Group. The funding will accelerate deployment of Inyanga's next-generation HydroWing tidal turbines at the Morlais site off the coast of Ynys Môn. The upgraded turbines are expected to increase output by up to 60%, helping unlock the full potential of one of Europe's most ambitious tidal energy zones. This follows a wider £8 million Welsh Government investment in the Morlais project, led by social enterprise Menter Môn, which will improve grid infrastructure and reinforce Morlais as a world-leading tidal demonstration zone, with capacity to power over 180,000 homes. First Minister Eluned Morgan said: 'This investment is a big step forward for Wales' clean energy future. Tidal energy offers reliable, clean power and creates quality jobs in coastal communities where they're needed most. By investing in innovation, we're putting Wales at the forefront of marine energy technology.' Jo Stevens, Secretary of State for Wales, said: 'The UK Government has a clear mission to make the UK a clean energy superpower with Wales front and centre of our plans. This goes hand in hand with our mission to grow the economy and create new, well-paid jobs with renewable energy at the heart of that growth. 'The UK is a world leader in floating offshore wind and tidal stream generation, and Wales is well-placed to benefit from both technologies. There is a huge amount of opportunity ahead and a cleaner, greener future for people in Wales and across the UK.' The conference also saw confirmation of continued core funding for Marine Energy Wales, with the Welsh Government committing a further three years of support. This will enable MEW to continue driving innovation, facilitating collaboration, and supporting the sector's contribution to Wales's net zero goals and coastal prosperity. Marine Energy Wales Programme Manager Tom Hill said: 'This commitment from both governments sends a powerful message — Wales is delivering marine energy. Government support along with stable investment, world-class sites, and a growing cluster of developers and innovators means the sector is poised to scale and make a real impact. Wales is on course to be a world leader as we move into the decade of delivery.' These announcements come at a pivotal moment for the sector, said MEW. As pressure mounts to deliver on climate commitments and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, marine energy offers predictability, resilience, and regional opportunity — all rooted in Wales's natural strengths, it said. Marine Energy Wales will continue to work across governments, industry, academia and communities to turn this momentum into action and ensure Wales leads the charge in marine energy development, it added.
