Plans for significant investment in ports in South Wales to facilitate the rolling out of major floating offshore wind turbine projects in the Celtic Sea have been revealed.
Energy giant RWE has entered into a strategic partnership with Association British Ports and the Port of Milford Haven to investigate the scaling-up of port facilities in support of a pipeline of gigawatt-scale floating wind projects off the Welsh coast.
Though a memorandum of understanding (MoU) they will explore potential for transforming infrastructure at ABP’s Port of Port Talbot as well as Pembroke Dock (owned and operated by the Port of Milford Haven) into hubs for the manufacturing of high-tech floating wind turbines and foundations, bound for the Celtic Sea, as well as floating operation and maintenance capability.
RWE is proposing to build commercial-scale floating wind projects, as part of the Crown Estate’s forthcoming Celtic Sea leasing round. If successful in the leasing round, the projects will play a key role in realising RWE’s Pembroke Net Zero Centre. ABP and the Port of Milford Haven are developing plans for new infrastructure at Port Talbot and Pembroke Dock which could service a pipeline of floating offshore wind projects, off the Welsh coast.
The partnership will also allow the companies to provide expert technical assistance and support to the Crown Estate, during their process of Celtic Sea site leading and evaluation.
Tom Glover, UK country chair, RWE, said: “RWE is committed to working in partnership with Welsh Government and industry as the country looks to meet all of its electricity needs from renewables by 2035. For ABP, Milford Haven and RWE, it is clear that there is vast economic potential from offshore wind in Wales; not just in providing a renewable and sustainable energy source, but also protecting and creating skilled jobs and careers and driving fresh investment in the region.
This memorandum of understanding solidifies our intention to focus on and invest in industrial Welsh ports, local and national supply chain and coastal communities. Alongside the ports, we look forward to generating widespread opportunities for regional and national growth as a result of floating wind deployment in the Celtic Sea.”
Henrik Pedersen, chief executive of ABP, said “This MOU with RWE marks an important step towards realising the potential of Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) for South Wales. ABP’s ports in Wales have always been a vital part of Wales’s industrial heartland, and Port Talbot is at the heart of the opportunity that the Celtic Sea offers to revolutionise the regional economy and bring the UK closer to net zero.
We are tremendously excited about the future of FLOW (floating offshore wind) for South Wales. Developing the ports is critical: it’s the foundation for the whole Celtic Sea ambition.”
Andy Jones, chief executive at the Port of Milford Haven, said: “Our MoU with RWE marks the start of a very exciting future for the economy of South Wales. Maximising the existing skills, industrial and natural assets that surround the port will ensure Wales realises the full economic benefit of FLOW providing significant supply chain opportunities, well-paid careers for future generations and a stronger, greener Welsh economy.
Developing our ports is key to unlocking a multi-billion floating wind industry taking shape in the Celtic Sea, and we are pleased to be collaborating with RWE and ABP to secure the long-term sustainability and prosperity of our region for the next 50 years.”
