The UK Government has launched a Marine Energy Task Force.
The announcement was made today at the Marine Energy Wales (MEW) Conference.
The task force, which could accelerate the UK’s marine renewable energy sector, was announced virtually by Michael Shanks, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
Speaking to conference delegates, Shanks highlighted the growing impact of marine energy in Wales, which has already attracted £292m in investment and supported the creation of 429 full-time jobs.
The new task force will bring together industry leaders to identify deployment barriers, map required investment, and deliver a strategic roadmap to advance marine energy nationwide.
“I’m pleased to announce that an industry-led Marine Energy Task Force is being assembled to consider marine energy deployment throughout the UK,” said Shanks (pictured).
“Its key outcome will be the delivery of a strategic roadmap, including recommendations for removing barriers, along with estimates of the investment required to deliver the UK’s marine energy potential.”
The task force’s findings will be published by the Marine Energy Council and presented to government to inform future policy and support.
The initiative aligns with the UK Government’s broader ambition to scale up clean, homegrown energy and boost regional growth.
Shanks also reaffirmed support for floating offshore wind, with the Celtic Sea leasing Round 5 now entering its final stages.
Up to 4.5GW of capacity could be deployed through this round, unlocking an estimated £1.4bn boost to the UK economy and creating over 5000 jobs.
Welsh ports – including Milford Haven, Swansea, and Port Talbot – were highlighted as key partners in delivering these projects.
Tidal stream energy remains a key priority, with over 130MW of capacity expected by 2029, largely thanks to recent success in Contracts for Difference (CfD) rounds.
Meanwhile, wave energy continues to receive R&D backing, with long-term commercial viability seen as within reach.
Jay Sheppard, Project Manager, Marine Energy Wales said: “For too long, the potential of our marine resources has been acknowledged but underutilised.
This task force brings together the right expertise to chart a credible, coordinated path forward – one that addresses real-world barriers, unlocks private investment, and ensures that the benefits of marine energy are felt in coastal communities across the UK.
“It’s a moment of clarity and commitment for a sector ready to scale.”