The UK government’s “wilful disinterest” in supporting marine projects in Wales is harming the nation’s nascent wave and tidal industry, according to First Minister Mark Drakeford.
Wales is missing out on international inward investment for projects and economic growth in coastal areas due to the lack of targeted policy for the sector, claimed the policymaker (pictured).
“I am frustrated at the missed opportunities caused by the UK government’s wilful disinterest in the development of marine energy projects in Wales,” said Drakeford.
He added: “We continue to press it to rethink its energy policy to allow Wales to provide the mix of renewable energy required to benefit our communities.”
The comments were made as Marine Energy Wales published a ‘State of the Sector’ report outlining findings from a survey carried out by the Welsh industry body.
The report found £96.2m has been spent to date in Wales on the development of the marine industry.
A total of 16 developers are actively progressing projects in Wales with seabed agreements in place for over 362MW of marine sites.
Wales has the potential to establish an early mover advantage in an export market worth an estimated £76bn by 2050, it added.
“It feels that momentum is building and Wales is playing an active role in keeping the UK at the forefront of this global innovative sector,” said Marine Energy Wales director David Jones.
“Whether the UK holds on to this lead and benefits fully from this new low carbon opportunity will depend on UK government policy,” he added.