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
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.
Past recipients
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.
Join us!
Are you looking to keep up-to-date with one of Wales most innovative sectors? Our annual conference is for you! Be the first to know about programme announcements, ticket sales, sponsorship and exhibition opportunities.