The developer of the 1GW Gwynt Glas floating wind farm has signed an agreement with Associated British Ports, which operates Port Talbot, and Port of Milford Haven in South Wales.
Gwynt Glas, which is a joint venture partnership between EDF Renewables UK and DP Energy, is proposing a 1GW floating offshore wind farm in the Celtic Sea.
Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the developer and the ports, information and industry knowledge will be shared to investigate the potential opportunities for manufacture, assembly, load-out and servicing for the Gwynt Glas project from both Port Talbot and Milford Haven.
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, 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.”
Steven Edwards, the Port of Milford Haven’s Commercial Director, added: “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.”