The UK government has decided to advance Port Talbot in Wales and Cromarty Firth in Scotland to the Primary List phase of the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS).
Both ports’ chief executives welcomed the decision today.
The Port of Cromarty Firth’s Bob Buskie said the announcement will provide certainty for offshore wind developers that the infrastructure they need will be ready in time to deliver their projects and “will hopefully now unlock” the other elements of the financial plan necessary to meet the government’s due diligence requirements so construction can begin.
He said: “We are absolutely delighted to be one of two ports chosen nationally to progress to the next stage of this funding scheme.
“The offshore wind industry has made it clear that Port of Cromarty Firth is critical to the forthcoming large-scale expansion of the offshore wind industry, which is needed to deliver national energy security and net-zero commitments.
“Developers supported the Port in the region’s bid to become one of Scotland’s two Green Freeports and, earlier this year, selected the Phase 5 expansion as one of three Scottish projects chosen to progress in the SOWEC Strategic Investment Model.”
The FLOWMIS award, alongside Associated British Ports’ investment of more than £500m, will begin to unlock a projected £1bn of investment in Port Talbot and the surrounding area.
Associated British Ports chief executive Henrik Pedersen said: “Today’s decision comes at a crucial time for Port Talbot and South Wales more broadly. The funding announced will help secure the region’s future as a hub of next-generation UK industry, providing thousands of jobs in the green economy right across the supply chain.”
“ABP is grateful that its bid was also supported by local members of both UK and Welsh Parliaments, Neath Port Talbot Council, the Welsh government and by local, national and international businesses in the floating offshore wind supply chain.
“We look forwarding to working closely with all stakeholders as we progress into the due diligence phase of the FLOWMIS process and work to deliver our plans at pace.”
ABP’s Future Port Talbot project would see the port transformed into a major hub for the manufacturing, assembly, and integration of Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) components for projects in the Celtic Sea.
This represents a major growth opportunity for the UK, with the prospect of creating a world-class manufacturing and supply chain hub in Port Talbot as well as providing opportunities for broader green energy and industrial activity, which will serve as a catalyst for wider economic regeneration in the South Wales industrial cluster.
ABP also welcomed the decision to move forward the FLOWMIS bid of the Port of Cromarty Firth to Primary List phase and it recently signed an agreement concerning parcels of land in the Cromarty Firth area and is investigating options for development to support FLOW and green energy development there.