Prospectus highlights Welsh ports’ potential role in offshore wind

That was the message from the Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans, as she launched the Welsh Government’s Port Prospectus at the Future Energy Wales conference this week.

The offshore wind sector is projected to create 29,000 jobs, generate a £4.5Bn economic impact, and power more than four million homes across Wales by 2030. Total offshore wind capacity is forecasted to reach over 20 GW around Wales by 2045.

Located less than 50 km from designated development areas in the Celtic Sea, with a coastline that delivers natural deep-water harbours and established supply chains, the Prospectus showcases how Welsh ports are uniquely placed to capitalise on this opportunity.

This is alongside the existing opportunity off the north Wales coastline, where more than 500 wind turbines have already been positioned from the Port of Mostyn, and where Wales is home to the UK’s first fixed bottom offshore wind farm.

Wales’ two Freeports provide investors with tax incentives, streamlined customs processes, and development-ready sites, while a wide range of financial support is available to companies via investment and infrastructure programmes. The Welsh Government is also investing in renewable energy skills across Wales.

Speaking ahead of the conference, hosted by RenewableUK Cymru, Ms Evans said, “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.”

Associated British Ports divisional port manager for Wales and the southeast Ashley Curnow said the prospectus “highlights the vital role of Welsh ports in unlocking the potential of offshore wind.”

He said 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,” he said.

Port of Mostyn managing director Jim O’Toole said the prospectus highlights Mostyn’s successful track record of working with companies in the offshore wind sector. “To date, we have deployed over 500 turbines and are in the process of developing new multi-purpose quayside infrastructure for future fixed and floating foundation projects,” he explained. “The port has also recently acquired adjoining industrial land to offer enhanced manufacturing and marshalling facilities.”

Port of Milford Haven chief executive Tom Sawyer said, “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 are 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 floating wind and anchor a world-class supply chain in Wales.”