Latest news with #RebeccaEvans
Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Next Generation of Tidal Stream Turbine Blades to be Developed in Wales
A project being supported by the Welsh Government is aiming to develop the next generation of tidal stream turbine blades, with the potential to transform the tidal energy industry. It will see the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru, based in Broughton, team up with Menter Mon and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult's Welsh team to improve the efficiency, durability and overall performance of tidal energy blades. The project is one of five to receive a share of £1 million from the Welsh Government as part of the VInnovate programme, which is run by the Vanguard Initiative (VI) to promote collaborative innovation across industrial regions in Europe, with a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Also involved in the project are two Galician firms – Magallanes Renovables, a marine renewable energy infrastructure manufacturer, and D3 Applied Technologies, a research organisation specialising in the fields of aerodynamics and hydrodynamics. Andy Silcox, interim chief technology officer at the AMRC, said: 'Wales is already recognised as a trailblazer in the establishment of tidal energy sites, and a hub for cutting-edge marine energy research, contributing its extensive knowledge and experience. 'This collaboration between AMRC Cymru, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Menter Mon will create a strategic partnership among the regions of Wales and Galicia, bringing together a unique blend of expertise and innovation in the field of renewable energy. 'Supporting the design and development of the newest tidal turbine blades, the project will lay the groundwork for a lasting collaboration, driving future innovations and projects in renewable energy to contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape.' More projects from Wales received funding in the 2024 VInnovate funding tranche than any other region. Welsh SME's and organisations are now being invited to apply for VInnovate 2025 funding. Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'Wales' research and development sector is internationally renowned, with academia, industry and government working together to deliver big leaps in renewable energy innovation in particular. 'This culture of innovation has been championed and guided by our Wales Innovates strategy, laying the foundations for a green and prosperous future for Wales driven by collaborative innovation and new technologies that can have a real and lasting positive impact on every part of our society. 'I encourage organisations to seize the opportunities presented by programmes such as this to think big, collaborate internationally and further strengthen our innovation ecosystem and advanced manufacturing capabilities.'
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Project to create tidal stream turbine blades in Wales
The Welsh Government has backed the project in a bid to revolutionise the tidal energy industry. The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) Cymru, based in Broughton, has teamed up with Menter Mon and the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) Catapult's Welsh team for this initiative. Their goal is to improve the efficiency and durability of tidal energy blades. This project is one of five in Wales which received a share of £1 million from the Welsh Government's VInnovate programme, intended to encourage innovative collaborations across industrial regions in Europe. The project also has the involvement of two Galician firms—marine renewable energy infrastructure manufacturer Magallanes Renovables and research organisation D3 Applied Technologies. Andy Silcox, interim chief technology officer at the AMRC, said: "Wales is already recognised as a trailblazer in the establishment of tidal energy sites, and a hub for cutting-edge marine energy research, contributing its extensive knowledge and experience. "This collaboration between AMRC Cymru, the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Menter Mon will create a strategic partnership among the regions of Wales and Galicia, bringing together a unique blend of expertise and innovation in the field of renewable energy. "Supporting the design and development of the newest tidal turbine blades, the project will lay the groundwork for a lasting collaboration, driving future innovations and projects in renewable energy to contribute to a more sustainable energy landscape." More projects from Wales received funding in the 2024 VInnovate funding tranche than any other region. Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning, said: "Wales' research and development sector is internationally renowned, with academia, industry and government working together to deliver big leaps in renewable energy innovation in particular. "This culture of innovation has been championed and guided by our Wales Innovates strategy, laying the foundations for a green and prosperous future for Wales driven by collaborative innovation and new technologies that can have a real and lasting positive impact on every part of our society."
North Wales Live
4 days ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Hotel development, tourism attraction and port plan are all chasing £51m cash pot for North Wales
A hotel plan, tourism development, and port revamp are part of a 20 strong group of schemes chasing £51m. Ambition North Wales has announced a strong pipeline of new projects, which are being given the opportunity to bid for part of un-allocated Growth Deal funding in the future. The move aims to accelerate regional growth through the delivery of sustainable economic projects across North Wales, which will generate jobs and align with environmental commitments. Each potential new project, 16 confirmed - with a 17th subject to confirmation on scope, has been placed on a Reserve List (full list below). The projects must now produce Business Cases in order to secure part of the funding – which will be considered in terms of their impact for the region and how quickly they can move into delivery. The Reserve List has been drawn up following a review of its own Growth Deal projects by Ambition North Wales – freeing up an initial £51m of funding, and a subsequent expression of interest process. Ambition North Wales partners, Welsh Government and UK Government were invited to put forward their priority public and private sector proposals for consideration. The funding released by Ambition North Wales, following its portfolio review, was possible given its decision to withdraw two of its Growth Deal projects altogether, while moving three on to the new Reserve List - bringing the total number of schemes on the list to 20. Cllr Mark Pritchard, Chair, Ambition North Wales: 'Our name says it all – we have great ambitions for North Wales and we want to deliver faster and smarter for the region. This new Reserve List contains projects with the potential to do just that – as they should be in a position to produce Business Cases over the coming 12-18 months with a view to moving swiftly into delivery, should approval be given. The result will improve the pace of delivery of sustainable economic growth across the region.' The North Wales Growth Deal is a £240m cash pot backed by joint funding from Welsh and UK governments aimed at driving economic growth. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'We welcome the work undertaken by Ambition North Wales to review existing projects and identify a pipeline of potential new proposals. This provides an opportunity to take stock of progress to date and unlock new opportunities, maximising the potential to invest in transformational developments that can swiftly deliver sustainable growth and jobs across the region. We look forward to seeing this work progress over the coming months.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'It's great to see a strong reserve list of projects come forward for investment. 'The purpose of UK Government's funding of Ambition North Wales is to deliver economic growth to the region and create well-paid jobs that will put more money in people's pockets. It's important that successful projects help us to deliver on that commitment.' Full list of projects: Adventure Parc Snowdonia Deliver a significant new visitor experience on the site of the former Adventure Parc Snowdonia facility. Albert Gubay Business School Construction of the Albert Gubay Business School at Bangor University. Bangor Health Hub To develop an integrated Health and Wellbeing Hub in a vacant former shopping centre in the heart of Bangor city centre. Business Gateway Serving as a bridge between Wrexham University and local industry, fostering collaboration, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth. Innovation and Growth Fund To support North Wales businesses in agri-food, tourism, and high-value manufacturing to boost innovation, adopt new tech, and grow regional competitiveness. Kinmel Studios A project to support the film industry in North Wales. NEW-H2 This project will help kick-start the hydrogen economy in North Wales by supporting and delivering a hydrogen hub to include the supply and use of hydrogen. North Anglesey Sites and Premises Delivering 2,200sqm of business space in North Anglesey creating at least 59 jobs, and leveraging the Freeport and low-carbon energy growth. Parc Bryn Cegin - Phase 2 The delivery of a further 20,000 sq ft of employment units at Parc Bryn Cegin. Peboc Gateway Sites Unlocking 6,750sqm of business space in Llangefni, creating at least 186 jobs and maximising benefits of the Anglesey Freeport. Port of Mostyn Upgrading berth and regeneration of former industrial site. Project Prince Construction of 110kt rock mineral wool plant with submerged arc furnace (SAF), primarily to serve the UK and Ireland markets. Property Fund A Commercial Property Development Grant to close viability gaps for private sector developers of industrial and office property, with funding also available for similar public sector developments on a Joint Venture Agreement basis. Quarry Battery A £300m Pumped Storage Hydro / BESS Hybrid scheme in North Wales. Queens Market Hotel Development Provision of mid-range, mid size hotel - a key part of a wider masterplan that is currently being developed for the area. Society 5.0 - Manufacturing and Capability Project Enhance the Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre to enable industry to access further world- class high precision engineering resources. St Asaph Business Park - Move on Accommodation Development of high-tech industrial units on St Asaph Business Park. Trawsfynydd A scheme which will include a building to include office spaces, laboratory spaces (exact specification to be confirmed) and ancillary facilities (meeting space, café/canteen etc), to support the nuclear and low carbon energy industry together with the scientific community, located on Trawsfynydd Site. Venue Cymru A project that will expand facilities at Venue Cymru, boost jobs, cut carbon, and attract major shows, conferences, and cultural investment.
Wales Online
4 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Hotel development, tourism attraction and port plan are all chasing £51m cash pot for North Wales
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A hotel plan, tourism development, and port revamp are part of a 20 strong group of schemes chasing £51m. Ambition North Wales has announced a strong pipeline of new projects, which are being given the opportunity to bid for part of un-allocated Growth Deal funding in the future. The move aims to accelerate regional growth through the delivery of sustainable economic projects across North Wales, which will generate jobs and align with environmental commitments. Each potential new project, 16 confirmed - with a 17th subject to confirmation on scope, has been placed on a Reserve List (full list below). The projects must now produce Business Cases in order to secure part of the funding – which will be considered in terms of their impact for the region and how quickly they can move into delivery. The Reserve List has been drawn up following a review of its own Growth Deal projects by Ambition North Wales – freeing up an initial £51m of funding, and a subsequent expression of interest process. Ambition North Wales partners, Welsh Government and UK Government were invited to put forward their priority public and private sector proposals for consideration. The funding released by Ambition North Wales, following its portfolio review, was possible given its decision to withdraw two of its Growth Deal projects altogether, while moving three on to the new Reserve List - bringing the total number of schemes on the list to 20. Cllr Mark Pritchard, Chair, Ambition North Wales: 'Our name says it all – we have great ambitions for North Wales and we want to deliver faster and smarter for the region. This new Reserve List contains projects with the potential to do just that – as they should be in a position to produce Business Cases over the coming 12-18 months with a view to moving swiftly into delivery, should approval be given. The result will improve the pace of delivery of sustainable economic growth across the region.' The North Wales Growth Deal is a £240m cash pot backed by joint funding from Welsh and UK governments aimed at driving economic growth. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'We welcome the work undertaken by Ambition North Wales to review existing projects and identify a pipeline of potential new proposals. This provides an opportunity to take stock of progress to date and unlock new opportunities, maximising the potential to invest in transformational developments that can swiftly deliver sustainable growth and jobs across the region. We look forward to seeing this work progress over the coming months.' Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith said: 'It's great to see a strong reserve list of projects come forward for investment. 'The purpose of UK Government's funding of Ambition North Wales is to deliver economic growth to the region and create well-paid jobs that will put more money in people's pockets. It's important that successful projects help us to deliver on that commitment.' Full list of projects: Adventure Parc Snowdonia Deliver a significant new visitor experience on the site of the former Adventure Parc Snowdonia facility. Albert Gubay Business School Construction of the Albert Gubay Business School at Bangor University. Bangor Health Hub To develop an integrated Health and Wellbeing Hub in a vacant former shopping centre in the heart of Bangor city centre. Business Gateway Serving as a bridge between Wrexham University and local industry, fostering collaboration, innovation, job creation and inclusive economic growth. Innovation and Growth Fund To support North Wales businesses in agri-food, tourism, and high-value manufacturing to boost innovation, adopt new tech, and grow regional competitiveness. Kinmel Studios A project to support the film industry in North Wales. NEW-H2 This project will help kick-start the hydrogen economy in North Wales by supporting and delivering a hydrogen hub to include the supply and use of hydrogen. North Anglesey Sites and Premises Delivering 2,200sqm of business space in North Anglesey creating at least 59 jobs, and leveraging the Freeport and low-carbon energy growth. Parc Bryn Cegin - Phase 2 The delivery of a further 20,000 sq ft of employment units at Parc Bryn Cegin. Peboc Gateway Sites Unlocking 6,750sqm of business space in Llangefni, creating at least 186 jobs and maximising benefits of the Anglesey Freeport. Port of Mostyn Upgrading berth and regeneration of former industrial site. Project Prince Construction of 110kt rock mineral wool plant with submerged arc furnace (SAF), primarily to serve the UK and Ireland markets. Property Fund A Commercial Property Development Grant to close viability gaps for private sector developers of industrial and office property, with funding also available for similar public sector developments on a Joint Venture Agreement basis. Quarry Battery A £300m Pumped Storage Hydro / BESS Hybrid scheme in North Wales. Queens Market Hotel Development Provision of mid-range, mid size hotel - a key part of a wider masterplan that is currently being developed for the area. Society 5.0 - Manufacturing and Capability Project Enhance the Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre to enable industry to access further world- class high precision engineering resources. St Asaph Business Park - Move on Accommodation Development of high-tech industrial units on St Asaph Business Park. Trawsfynydd A scheme which will include a building to include office spaces, laboratory spaces (exact specification to be confirmed) and ancillary facilities (meeting space, café/canteen etc), to support the nuclear and low carbon energy industry together with the scientific community, located on Trawsfynydd Site. Venue Cymru A project that will expand facilities at Venue Cymru, boost jobs, cut carbon, and attract major shows, conferences, and cultural investment. Wrexham Gateway To address viability and support delivery of the evolving Wrexham Gateway project.
ITV News
23-05-2025
- Business
- ITV News
'Lift off' for new space centre in Snowdonia
Snowdonia Space Centre launch rocket to celebrate grand opening. The Snowdonia Space Centre has officially opened, with a small rocket having been launched to mark the occasion. The launch used one of the two new launch rails which is at the centre, which opened on 22 May. A high altitude balloon was also launched, with visitors being able to track its progress to the edge of space from the mission control room. "Facilities like this will play a crucial role in delivering our National Space Strategy for Wales, strengthening Wales' position as a hub for innovation, and helping drive forward the UK's space ambitions," Rebecca Evans, MS, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, who attended the grand opening, said. The Space Centre received £820,000 of funding from the UK Space Agency to support its development. It is believed the new centre will provide a boost for the economy and employment opportunities. They will also have educational facilities to support universities and STEM learning. Telecoms Minister Sir Chris Bryant said: "The opening of the Snowdonia Space Centre cements our commitment to building a space ecosystem right across the UK. "The Centre will not only drive economic growth in North Wales but also inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers through its outstanding educational facilities, strengthening Britain's position as a space superpower.' The new space centre features a flight test range, rocket engine test stand, launch rails and high-tech labs. "As well as providing much needed testing facilities to the UK space industry, we hope the Centre will help to stimulate local and national interest in the space industry and inspire more young people to engage in a career in the space industry," Jeremy Howitt, Technical Director of Snowdonia Space Centre, said.
