the ysbryd y môr award
Established by Marine Energy Wales in 2024, the award celebrates individuals who have been a driving force behind the growth and success of Wales’ marine energy sector.
About the award
‘Ysbryd Y Môr’ meaning ‘Spirit of the Sea’ is an award established by Marine Energy Wales to celebrate individuals or entities whose passion, commitment and vision have been a driving force behind the growth and success of Wales’ marine energy sector.
Established at the MEW Conference in 2024, it recognises those who have made an outstanding contribution to the sector.
This Year’s Winner
PHILLIPA POWELL - 2026 Recipient
RWE’s Celtic Sea Development Lead and Project Director for the Awel y Môr Wind Farm, Philippa Powell has played a leading role in advancing offshore wind in Wales, contributing to the delivery of major projects that are shaping the country’s energy future.
With a career spanning policy and environmental work, consenting, construction and project delivery, Philippa has helped bring forward Awel y Môr, the first Welsh offshore wind project to secure a contract in over a decade. Located approximately 10.5km off the Welsh coast, the project will generate enough electricity to power more than half of Wales’ homes.
Nominated by her peers, Philippa was recognised for both her professional achievements and her collaborative, supportive approach. Her leadership and commitment continue to strengthen the sector, supporting those around her while helping to drive progress across Wales’ growing offshore wind industry.
Past recipients
Hayley Williams - 2025 Recipient
A creative strategist and curriculum developer, Hayley Williams has played a key role in connecting young people with Wales’ growing green energy sector.
Bringing experience from international education and marketing, Hayley has developed innovative programmes such as Destination Renewables and the Maritime Pre-Cadetship, giving learners real exposure to future-focused careers.
In 2023, she launched the SPARC Alliance – a pioneering initiative tackling the gender gap in offshore energy. Within its first year, SPARC reached over 880 students across Pembrokeshire and helped influence national policy conversations.
The first ever Ysbryd Y Môr award was presented to Anglesey pioneer Gerallt Llewelyn Jones in 2024.
Gerallt Llewelyn Jones - 2024 Recipient
An Anglesey native, passionate Welshman and former schoolteacher, Gerallt established Menter Môn in 1995.
Since then, he has successfully steered the organisation; helping to attract over £70 million of funding to the area and investing in projects such as the Anglesey Coastal Path.
In June 2014, Menter Môn secured a lease from The Crown Estate for a 35km2 area of seabed, now known as Morlais.
Nominations
Do you know someone whose passion, commitment and vision have helped advance Wales’ marine energy sector?
Our Ysbryd Y Môr award is your chance to highlight those making a difference – whether through innovation, advocacy, collaboration or leadership. By nominating someone, you can shine a spotlight on their achievements and inspire others to follow their lead.
Submitting a nomination is simple. Fill in the form below – and remember to share your nominee’s name, details and a brief explanation of why you think they deserve the award.