The Milford Haven Waterway Future Energy Cluster, representing the UK's energy capital, has outlined a vision for a low carbon future at the first of two events planned this year.
At a Westminster launch event on 14th June, hosted by Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb, the Cluster - a coalition of energy companies, renewable developers, green technology innovators, Pembrokeshire County Council and the Port of Milford Haven - outlined how it will play a pivotal role in delivering the UK's Net Zero ambitions through continued investment and evolution over the next 30 years.
A second event later this year will see the vision outlined at the Senedd alongside Welsh Government Ministers, Senedd Members and Welsh industry leaders.
During the reception in the House of Commons, the Cluster outlined a pathway to support at least 20% of the UK's hydrogen production and 10% of Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) targets, which were outlined in the recently published British Energy Security Strategy. Continued utilisation, adaptation and innovation in the Haven will also support the development of low carbon liquid fuels, CO2 shipping, marine renewables and energy storage.
The Milford Haven Waterway Future Energy Cluster also demonstrated to government, political and industry representatives how its whole energy cycle solution has a pivotal role to play in supporting an accelerated transition while stimulating substantial economic growth.
Early economic analysis undertaken for the Cluster by Cardiff Business School indicates that its vision could add an additional 3,000 Welsh jobs to the 5,000 already supported by the Milford Haven Waterway energy sector.
To deliver this vision and unlock substantial international private sector investment, the Cluster called on the UK and Welsh Governments, National Grid, The Crown Estate and OFGEM to support the future success of this critical national energy asset by:
- Expanding South Wales' Grid capacity by 10GW by 2030
- Implementing a fast-tracked consenting regime
- Backing a South Wales Green Freeport bid
- Introducing mechanisms to de-risk the Celtic Sea FLOW opportunity
- Backing a South Wales FLOW infrastructure bid
- Supporting the Milford Haven Waterway SuperPlace ambition, including both blue and green hydrogen
- Supporting prioritisation of South Wales in National Grid's Project Union
- Supporting a BEIS Cluster Sequencing Track 2 bid
- Incentivising the production and use of low carbon fuels
- Backing Skills Accelerator and Supply Chain Accelerator programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the Haven Waterway Future Energy Cluster, Tom Sawyer, CEO at the Port of Milford Haven, said:
"By the 2040's the Milford Haven Waterway aims to be a significant exporter of low carbon electricity and hydrogen, and a globally recognised example of a low carbon, smart energy system fully capable of supporting society's energy needs reliably, cost effectively and with significantly reduced emissions.
We're proud to be working collaboratively as part of the South Wales Industrial Cluster (SWIC) and the Celtic Sea Cluster (CSC). Our collective vision will not only contribute significantly to the country's Net Zero goals, but it will create around 3,000 Welsh jobs, boost pay and productivity, create new and exciting career opportunities and improve living standards for the people living and working in our region: today and for future generations.
We're delighted to have had the opportunity to share our vision in Westminster and look forward to our next launch at the Senedd."
Rt Hon Greg Hands MP, Minister for Energy, Clean Growth and Climate Change, welcomed the Cluster's vision, saying:
"From floating offshore wind to hydrogen, the Milford Haven Waterway Future Energy Cluster will bring thousands of jobs and growth to South Wales. This will cement the region's position as a leading player in delivering clean, affordable, home-grown energy for Britain."
Rt Hon Stephen Crabb MP (Preseli Pembrokeshire), said:
"It was great to welcome so many of the key players in our local energy sector to Parliament today. With its energy-rich heritage, and strategic national importance, the Port of Milford Haven is well-placed to be at the forefront of the transition to a low carbon future."
"This ambitious vision will bring a whole host of benefits both nationally, and locally, not least through the creation of high skilled green jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for the people of Pembrokeshire."
