Floating wind demonstration project approved by Welsh Government 

Section 36 Consent has been granted for the Llŷr Wind Farm, a test and demonstration floating wind project being developed by Cierco Energy in the Celtic Sea, off the coast of Pembrokeshire.

The windfarm will include two small-scale demonstration projects, Llŷr 1 and 2, using two different floating offshore wind technologies, with up to 10 wind turbine generators per project, along with mooring infrastructure. Each project will have up to two export cables in one export cable corridor to a landfall location at Freshwater West.

First power generation from Llŷr Wind Farm is targeted for 2031, making it among the first floating offshore wind test and demonstration projects to be developed and constructed in the UK. Consent marks a major milestone for the project as it moves towards construction.

Llŷr has already achieved several major regulatory milestones, including securing a Marine Licence from Natural Resources Wales in June and signing an Agreement for Lease with The Crown Estate in July — confirming seabed rights for the development.

The project will contribute towards Wales’ ambitions for net zero carbon, with around 2,000 jobs expected to be created during the construction phase of the scheme and further skilled jobs once it is complete.

Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy Adam Price said, Offshore wind projects such as this important scheme can be catalysts for economic growth and prosperity. We will work with the company to ensure this project will deliver high-quality jobs to people in Wales, which directly aligns with our mission to boost productivity. This project marks a major milestone for Wales’ clean energy aspirations.”

The project will test floating offshore wind technologies and serve as a practical demonstration of how it can unlock offshore wind resources in deeper water, drive early momentum in industrial renewal and regional growth, and support the development of future industries.

Cierco Energy chief executive Scott Harper said, “Securing Section 36 Consent is a fantastic achievement for Llŷr and for Wales. As one of the Celtic Sea’s first offshore wind test and demonstration projects, Llŷr will help position South West Wales as a global hub for offshore wind innovation, advanced engineering, and clean energy expertise.

“This project not only accelerates Wales’ transition to renewable energy, but also creates opportunities for local businesses, ports, universities, and the wider supply chain - building the capabilities needed for future large-scale deployments and international growth.”