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Business News Wales
11 hours ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Developers Revealed for Celtic Sea Floating Wind Projects
Delivering floating offshore wind off the coast of Pembrokeshire has taken a significant step forward, as the Crown Estate has named Equinor and a joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB as preferred bidders, following the conclusion of its Round 5 leasing process. Two developers have each secured rights to develop 1.5GW of floating offshore wind (FLOW) capacity in the Celtic Sea, with a third 1.5GW lease area yet to be awarded. As part of the Crown Estate's Round 5 leasing process, both successful bidders will pay an annual option fee of £350 per megawatt, amounting to £525,000 per year for their 1.5GW lease area. Unlike traditional fixed-bottom turbines, FLOW technology allows wind farms to be installed in deeper waters, opening up vast new areas of seabed for renewable energy generation. This latest announcement represents a major milestone for the emerging Floating Offshore Wind industry in the Celtic Sea, with the Crown Estate forecasting the potential for a further 4GW to 10GW to be made available by 2030. The news also follows the Crown Estate's recent commitment to invest £400 million in enhancing port and onshore infrastructure. With two project development areas being located in different parts of the Celtic Sea coastline, strategic investment in ports and the grid will now be critical, as potential supply chain investors await further information from the leasing process regarding the developers' supply chain plans. A major benefit of this announcement is that we now know the developers who will be progressing these projects, so communities and supply chains across South Wales and the South West can engage with the developers to co-create opportunities to maximise the benefit from these projects. What these stakeholders need from the developers now is an indication of project timelines and milestones to prepare and align themselves. This announcement is a significant vote of confidence in the UK's world-leading offshore energy market at a time of global volatility and uncertainty for the sector. Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: 'Floating offshore wind will be transformative for economic growth in Wales and the South West, unlocking thousands of jobs in places like Port Talbot and Bristol, bolstering our energy security and delivering industrial renewal. 'The Celtic Sea has huge untapped potential to support our mission to become clean energy superpower, so we can get energy bills down for good through our Plan for Change.' Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: 'This is a hugely significant moment for the clean energy industry in Wales and one which will have a positive impact for generations to come. 'Floating offshore wind will help deliver the transition to clean energy, bring down bills for households and help secure the UK's home-grown energy supply. 'Increased economic growth and thousands of new well-paid jobs will come from this huge vote of confidence in Wales' energy industry and its workforce.' Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: 'The establishment of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea marks the start of a new industrial opportunity for Wales. 'Over the last six months, we have been working through our Task and Finish Group to ensure Wales is in the best possible position to reap the rewards from the energy transition. 'This is an exciting and important step in that journey, and we look forward to working with the industry, The Crown Estate and counterparts in Westminster to write the next chapter in this story.' Matthieu Hue, CEO of EDF Renewables UK, said: 'I am absolutely delighted to announce that we, together with our project partner ESB, have secured preferred Bidder status with The Crown Estate for an Agreement for Lease as part of the Round 5 Leasing Process. 'We look forward to further developing the Gwynt Glas offshore wind farm, helping the UK maintain a market leading position in floating wind and recognising the important role that floating wind can play in the UK's ambition towards reaching net zero.' Jim Dollard, Executive Director at ESB, said: 'ESB, in partnership with our colleagues in EDFR, is delighted to have been successful in The Crown Estate Round 5 seabed allocation in the Celtic Sea. The Celtic Sea is of strategic importance to ESB given its location adjacent to Ireland and the opportunities to develop a floating offshore project in what we believe to be an ideal area bodes well for our ambitions to develop a portfolio of floating offshore wind projects in Ireland and UK to contribute to the net zero plans for both countries as well as those of ESB.' Trine Borum Bojsen, Senior Vice President for Renewables Europe of Equinor, said: 'We are delighted to be given this opportunity in the Celtic Sea. The UK is a core strategic market for Equinor and a market where we have more than a decade's experience in offshore wind. The seabed lease offers the scalability and timing flexibility we seek and is a long-term option for Equinor's renewables portfolio. We believe that the deeper waters in the Celtic Sea have good future potential for floating wind which will play an important role in unlocking the UK's journey towards net zero.'
ITV News
2 days ago
- Business
- ITV News
Billion pound investment in wind farms in Wales and South West England announced
Some of the largest floating offshore wind farms in the world are set to be built off the coasts of Wales and South West England. The UK Government has announced Port Talbot and the Port of Bristol will help deliver the new infrastructure which is hoped will generate 4.5 gigawatts of renewable energy, which is enough to power more than four million homes. The Crown Estate, which manages the seabed around England, Wales and Northern Ireland, will partner with Equinor and Gwynt Glas a joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB. They say it will drive thousands of new jobs and bring in more than a billion pound investment to the UK economy. It's expected to be the first phase of a new industry in the Celtic Sea, with The Crown Estate identifying the potential for a further 4-10 gigawatts to be brought to market by the end of the decade. In a further boost to the UK's offshore wind industry, The Crown Estate has set out new details of its plans to invest up to £400 million of capital in the supply chain for projects across the country. The move builds on new investment powers conferred by the Crown Estate Act 2025, and is expected to see The Crown Estate working in partnership to invest in the construction of port and supply chain infrastructure that will support the delivery of offshore wind projects across the UK. The Crown Estate has said the preferred bidders are committed to ensuring that at least 3.5% of the workforce consists of apprenticeships and that a minimum of 10% of employees aged 19-24 are not currently in education, employment or training. Dan Labbad, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate, has said 'it's now 25 years since we first laid the foundations for a new market for offshore wind in the UK, creating the right conditions for a new technology to establish and grow into the world-leading industry we have today. 'The selection of EDF Renewables UK, ESB and Equinor to write the next chapter of this story in the Celtic Sea is an exciting reflection of how far we've come in that time, and a vote of confidence in this new technology and the long-term future of the UK market as a place to invest. 'The Crown Estate exists to create value for our country into the long term. Coupled with our investment of up to £400 million in the supply chain, the steps we have taken to establish floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea mark a vital contribution to the UK's energy resilience and growth, and countless opportunities for communities and businesses alike.' The Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has said: 'Floating offshore wind will be transformative for economic growth in Wales and the South West, unlocking thousands of jobs in places like Port Talbot and Bristol, bolstering our energy security and delivering industrial renewal. "The Celtic Sea has huge untapped potential to support our mission to become clean energy superpower, so we can get energy bills down for good through our Plan for Change.' Meanwhile the Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens has said: 'this is a hugely significant moment for the clean energy industry in Wales and one which will have a positive impact for generations to come. 'Floating offshore wind will help deliver the transition to clean energy, bring down bills for households and help secure the UK's home-grown energy supply. 'Increased economic growth and thousands of new well-paid jobs will come from this huge vote of confidence in Wales' energy industry and its workforce.' Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: "The establishment of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea marks the start of a new industrial opportunity for Wales. "Over the last six months, we have been working through our Task and Finish Group to ensure Wales is in the best possible position to reap the rewards from the energy transition. "This is an exciting and important step in that journey, and we look forward to working with the industry, The Crown Estate and counterparts in Westminster to write the next chapter in this story."
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Huge Welsh floating windfarm with turbines as tall as London's The Shard takes massive step forward
Huge Welsh floating windfarm with turbines as tall as London's The Shard takes massive step forward The project is one of two in the Celtic Sea and is expected to create thousands of jobs in Port Talbot and Bristol where the giant turbines are hoped to be made Floating offshore wind is a fast growing industry enabling wind turbines to operate in deeper seas, where the winds are stronger such as the Celtic Sea off the South West and Wales The identity of successful bidders to build two huge floating offshore windfarms in the Celtic Sea has now been revealed The Crown Estate has confirmed the selection of Equinor and a joint venture between EDF Renewables UK and ESB – Gwynt Glas – as preferred bidders to deliver the new floating windfarms following the conclusion of its leasing round five. The floating windfarm from Gwynt Glas is in Welsh waters off the west Wales coast, while the project from Equinor will be off the coast of Cornwall. Each bidder will pay an annual option fee of £350 per megawatt, or £525,000 per year in total. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here However, the process for licensing a third floating offshore windfarm, straddling both English and Welsh waters, failed to secure a successful bidder. The Crown Estate insisted that it would deliver on the full potential capacity through the deployment of a third site and expected to set out steps by the end of September. It is not clear whether it could develop the scheme itself. Article continues below The process, as it stands, will deliver 3 GW in offshore wind capacity, short of the original 4.5 GW target. Three projects would generate the electricity needs for more than hour million homes and create more than 5,000 direct and supply chain jobs, creating a £1.5bn economic boost. The successful bidders, based on a best price auction, will now have to go through respective planning processes. They will also be seeking contracts for difference support, which will ensure energy produced will be commercially viable, from the UK Government. The port of Port Talbot, which benefits from being in a freeport, has been identified, along with Bristol, for the assembling and maintenance of the floating windfarms. Turbines could be as high as the Shard building in London at 300 metres on floating platforms similar in size to a football pitch. They will be anchored to the seabed via huge chains. Dan Labbad, chief executive of the Crown Estate, said: "It's now 25 years since we first laid the foundations for a new market for offshore wind in the UK, creating the right conditions for a new technology to establish and grow into the world-leading industry we have today. 'The selection of EDF Renewables UK, ESB and Equinor to write the next chapter of this story in the Celtic Sea is an exciting reflection of how far we've come in that time, and a vote of confidence in this new technology and the long-term future of the UK market as a place to invest. 'The Crown Estate exists to create value for our country into the long term. Coupled with our investment of up to £400 million in the supply chain, the steps we have taken to establish floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea mark a vital contribution to the UK's energy resilience and growth, and countless opportunities for communities and businesses alike.' UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said: Floating offshore wind will be transformative for economic growth in Wales and the South West, unlocking thousands of jobs in places like Port Talbot and Bristol, bolstering our energy security and delivering industrial renewal. "The Celtic Sea has huge untapped potential to support our mission to become a clean energy superpower, so we can get energy bills down for good through our Plan for Change.' Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: 'This is a hugely significant moment for the clean energy industry in Wales and one which will have a positive impact for generations to come. 'Floating offshore wind will help deliver the transition to clean energy, bring down bills for households and help secure the UK's home-grown energy supply. 'Increased economic growth and thousands of new well-paid jobs will come from this huge vote of confidence in Wales' energy industry and its workforce.' Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said: The establishment of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea marks the start of a new industrial opportunity for Wales. "Over the last six months, we have been working through our Task and Finish Group to ensure Wales is in the best possible position to reap the rewards from the energy transition. "This is an exciting and important step in that journey, and we look forward to working with the industry, The Crown Estate and counterparts in Westminster to write the next chapter in this story." The new windfarms will be among the largest of their kind in the world. This is expected to be the first phase of a new industry in the Celtic Sea, with the Crown Estate identifying the potential for a further 4-10 gigawatts to be brought to market by the end of the decade. Matthieu Hue, chief executive of EDF Renewables UK, said: I am absolutely delighted to announce that we, together with our project partner ESB, have secured preferred bidder status with The Crown Estate for an Agreement for Lease as part of the Round 5 Leasing Process. Article continues below 'We look forward to further developing the Gwynt Glas offshore wind farm, helping the UK maintain a market leading position in floating wind and recognising the important role that floating wind can play in the UK's ambition towards reaching net zero.'
Business News Wales
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Public Consultation Opens for Proposed Swansea Battery Storage Scheme
EDF Renewables UK is seeking views on a proposed Swansea North battery storage facility. The plans are for a 250 MW battery energy storage scheme (BESS), adjacent to the existing Swansea North substation near Morriston and Felindre. Environmental and technical assessments are already being carried out and local community views are being sought to gather feedback before submitting a planning application to Swansea Council. The public consultation starts from 14th May where the plans will be available for review on The project team will also be at Felindre Community Hall on 5th and 6th June to meet people and answer their questions. Amy Ravitz-Williams, Project Development Manager at EDF Renewables UK, said: 'As more of our lives are powered by electricity – from heating our homes to our cars to using AI – our energy system is changing. Batteries help to future-proof the grid and cost-effectively integrate more renewable power leading to greater energy security.' The company said that battery storage is essential in the transition towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, stabilising the grid and ensuring our energy security. It can respond quickly to network changes and provides the flexibility required by National Grid to manage the intermittent nature of supply from renewable sources such as wind and solar, supporting a resilient network.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Concern over impact of large-scale solar farm
Councillors have joined campaigners in voicing concerns over plans for a large-scale solar farm in Lincolnshire. The proposed 1,280-hectare Springwell Solar Farm, between Lincoln and Sleaford, would be about nine times the size of London's Hyde Park, with a capacity of 800MW, as well as battery storage. The developers, EDF Renewables UK and Luminous Energy, said it could power 180,000 homes and help the transition to renewable energy. Opponents said the sheer scale of the development would lead to the loss of farmland and leave an "enormous scar" on the countryside. Due to the size of the project, the final decision will be made by the government. However, at a meeting on Tuesday, officials from North Kesteven District Council agreed to send a list of objections to the planning inspectorate to highlight their concerns. These include loss of farmland, the impact on the landscape and concerns about the safety of the lithium-ion batteries. Councillor David Suiter told the meeting: "If you look at a map, it will leave an enormous scar on North Kesteven – the scale is quite alarming. "There is a climate emergency, but putting solar farms on agricultural land is not the only solution," he said. Councillor Marianne Overton added: "There are so many better options to fulfil net-zero requirements – this is just ridiculous." She claimed more than 40% of the proposed site was "good farmland". "It's a very big site – that's an awful lot of food we're not growing and will need to import," she said. Another councillor criticised the planning process. Councillor Ian Carrington told the meeting: "If you want to build a chicken farm, you need planning permission. "But if you want to bring tons of highly toxic materials formed into batteries which may or may not be fire-safe, you can plonk them down in the middle of the countryside." The proposals previously attracted criticism from local residents. Local MPs have also voiced their opposition to large-scale energy projects in the county. Public meetings are likely to be held later this year, and a decision could be made early next year, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. New solar farm on outskirts of town is approved Council leader hits back in solar farm land debate Huge solar farm planned across county border Protest staged over plans for huge solar farm North Kesteven District Council Local Democracy Reporting Service
