Welsh marine energy players meet with First Minister to push industry forward

Welsh First Minister Mark Drakeford has met with representatives of marine energy companies as part of the efforts to make Wales a leader in the industry.

The purpose of the meeting, which took place at Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF), the organisation behind Marine Energy Wales, was to understand the Welsh sector’s requirements for seizing the marine renewable energy opportunity. 

In the meeting, the sector discussed with the First Minister what needs to be put in place to successfully deliver marine renewables in Wales.

The aim is to make the region a global leader in marine renewable energy and ensure a viable future for the industry, Marine Energy Wales said, adding that the opportunity would provide thousands of jobs, multiple gigawatts of clean energy, and opportunities to export technology and expertise globally.

According to the association, there are four key renewable technologies that can be deployed to Welsh waters, including tidal stream, tidal range, wave and floating offshore wind.

“We are committed to making Wales a centre of emerging marine energy technologies as set out in our programme for Government, and have set up a Marine Energy Programme to deliver on this commitment,” said Minister Drakeford.

“It is also vital that the UK Government fully supports the industry through its policies, to ensure that we can maximise the opportunities that are available.” 

The First Minister was presented with the State of the Sector Report, an annual report published by Marine Energy Wales presenting data on the historic and future socioeconomic benefits delivered by the Welsh marine energy sector.  

The Minister stated he is very alert to the challenges of the consenting regime and that a willingness from industry to share data will be critical to working together to create a system designed to make things happen.

Marine Energy Wales recently secured a new three-year grant from the Welsh Government to support its work until 2025.

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