The UK government has awarded up to £64 million to support the development of Port Talbot as a floating offshore wind hub in the Celtic Sea.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the funding will enable Associated British Ports to complete design and engineering work for the new port.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband added the project will help unlock at least 4.5GW of floating offshore wind capacity in the Celtic Sea.
The development could power around 6.5 million homes and support up to 5000 jobs while boosting the UK’s clean energy supply.
Associated British Ports expects the project to unlock more than £500 million of investment and establish Port Talbot as a key base for floating wind.
The funding remains subject to final approvals and a mandatory Subsidy Advice Unit review.
“From floating offshore wind in Port Talbot to a new generation of small modular reactors at Wylfa – this government is putting Wales at the heart of our clean energy superpower mission.” said Ed Miliband, energy secretary.
“With its deep waters and strong winds we are supporting to Wales to storm ahead in floating offshore wind – a pioneering industry that will support thousands of good jobs, drive growth across the country and unlock the next generation of clean, homegrown power.”
“Today’s visit marks real progress on the shared ambition between ABP and the UK government to secure the infrastructure needed to deliver floating offshore wind at scale.” said Henrik L. Pedersen, chief executive officer of Associated British Ports.
“This development would drive industrial regeneration, support thousands of skilled jobs and ensure Wales and the UK captures the full economic benefit of this emerging sector.”