The developers behind a potential floating offshore win farm in the Celtic Sea has signed an agreement with two major ports in south Wales.
Gwynt Glas, which is a joint venture partnership between EDF Renewables UK and DP Energy, is proposing a 1GW offshore wind farm in the Celtic Sea.
If built, it is estimated to provide power for around 927,000 homes and make a "significant contribution" to The Crown Estate's ambitions for 4GW of capacity in the Celtic Sea.
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Now Gwynt Glas has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Associated British Ports, which operates Port Talbot, and Wales' largest energy port, the Port of Milford Haven.
The MoU will prepare the two ports for future needs of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. Information and industry knowledge will also be shared to investigate the potential opportunities to manufacture, assemble, load-out and service the Gwynt Glas project from the two ports.
The companies said the collaboration shows a "major commitment to supporting economic growth, investment and maximising social value in the region".
Claire Gilchrist, EDF Renewables’ offshore development manager, said: "This MoU is an excellent opportunity for our industries to learn from one another as we develop our plans for Gwynt Glas. We need to understand the current level and type of infrastructure that is available at the ports to accurately reflect the opportunities and challenges to be faced, to enable the successful delivery of floating offshore wind at scale."
Andrew Harston, ABP regional director for Wales and short sea ports, said: "ABP’s port facilities at Port Talbot are at the heart of realising Wales’ ambitious vision for Floating Offshore Wind in the Celtic Sea and the new manufacturing industry that this will deliver for Wales. We are delighted to be working with EDF Renewables UK, DP Energy and the Port of Milford Haven on the Gwynt Glas project, which is such a vital part of the UK’s progress to net zero."
Port of Milford Haven's commercial director Steven Edwards said: "We are very proud to be working with EDF Renewables UK and DP Energy to support the Gwynt Glas proposal for low carbon energy. We are embracing opportunities for the benefit of the Pembrokeshire economy, and the goal to achieve net zero.
"Working collaboratively is crucial to supporting these ambitions in Wales, and the Milford Haven Waterway has the opportunity to play a pivotal role in this."
Chris Williams, DP Energy’s head of development UK said: "As Wales transitions to net zero, we are committed to working with local industry and keen to maximise local benefits. Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea will not only generate renewable energy, support our energy security but also protect jobs and create new ones.
"These MoU’s with the Port of Milford Haven and ABP Port Talbot demonstrate our intention to focus on a local supply chain and support long-term skilled local jobs in coastal regions."
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