Stephen Crabb, MP for Preseli Pembrokeshire, a long-time champion of Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) in the Celtic Sea, led a debate in Parliament today on the delivery of floating offshore wind projects ( 18th October).
With the Milford Haven Waterway set to become a key location for investment in FLOW, Mr Crabb used the debate to shine a spotlight on the opportunities and challenges presented by large-scale floating wind power. The debate was attended by MPs representing different coastal and port communities across the UK where this new renewable energy technology could be developed.
Mr Crabb highlighted the positive economic and community benefits of FLOW, and the important role that the Celtic Sea would have in delivering important UK green energy targets.
Following the debate, Mr Crabb commented:
“Without a doubt the development of floating offshore wind presents a major new economic opportunity for Pembrokeshire and South Wales. I want to see this new era of green energy production off our coast and benefiting our community. The debate today, was an important opportunity to shine a spotlight on FLOW’s potential and to speak out about the work needed by Government to help turn these plans into reality.”
“It is vitally important that the UK Government and the private sector continue to work together to address the overarching issues around coordination, as well as grid and port infrastructure. Earlier this week, I had the opportunity in Parliament to speak up for the Port of Milford Haven’s joint Freeport bid with Port Talbot. The joint Celtic freeport bid will play a key role in unlocking new low carbon industries such as floating offshore wind power.”
“It is a timely moment to be discussing energy alternatives with rising energy costs and increased competition. Marine renewables like FLOW represent the future of our domestic energy mix.”
Mike Scott, Project Managing Director, Blue Gem Wind commented:
“As the pioneer for floating wind in the Celtic Sea it was really positive to listen to the House of Commons debate this morning and hear the clear message that floating wind can deliver on net zero, energy security and job creation. We would like to thank the Rt Hon Stephen Crabb, MP for securing the debate and supporting the vision for the Celtic Sea.”
RenewableUK’s CEO Dan McGrail said:
“The UK is at the forefront of the development of floating offshore wind, with around a fifth of the total pipeline of floating projects worldwide – more than any other country.
“In the years ahead, floating wind will enable us to build projects further out to sea where wind speeds are even stronger, playing a central role in proving cheap, clean electricity for British homes as well as boosting our energy security.
“It also offers a significant opportunity to build up a whole new industry in the UK, with a world-class supply chain exporting expertise and state of the art technology worldwide”.
"We're working with the Government to ensure that we maximise the economic benefits offered by this innovative technology. We were delighted to see MPs urging Ministers to set out an industrial strategy for the sector and remove the barriers to growth by reforming the way Contracts for Difference auctions are allocated, enabling new grid infrastructure to be built faster and upgrading our ports so they can handle the massive scale of floating wind components".
The full debate can be watched here: Parliamentlive.tv - Westminster Hall