Mark Drakeford AM with representatives from the Welsh marine energy sector
Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford attended Ocean Energy Europe conference this week, and set out Wales’ ambition to become a leading country in the development of marine energy.
He delivered the keynote speech at the conference in Edinburgh and became the first Welsh minister to speak about marine energy outside of Wales. He also visited the Welsh Government trade stand and met with representatives from across the Welsh marine energy industry, including Marine Energy Wales, Marine Power Systems, Bombora Wavepower, Nova Innovation, Morlais, Minesto, ORE Catapult, Mainstay Marine and MarineSpace.
Ocean Energy Europe is one of the most important events on Europe’s ocean energy calendar, providing companies with the opportunity to raise their profile and network with key decision-makers, investors and influential entrepreneurs in the sector.
The Finance Secretary said:
“We are striving to make Wales a leading player in the marine energy field with energy generated from waves and the tide playing an important role in our ambitions for a low-carbon economy.
“Our aim is to generate 70% of our energy from renewable sources by 2030. The marine energy sector can play a significant role in helping Wales achieve this target and will be closely aligned with Wales’ First National Marine Plan.
“Over the last 18 months, the EU and Welsh Government has invested in a number of marine energy projects, including Morlais Consent, the Marine Energy Test Area in Pembrokeshire, Bombora Wavepower and Marine Power Systems, as well as ongoing support for Marine Energy Wales.
“All this underpins our ambition to build a thriving industry generating well-paid jobs and business opportunities in Wales. We want to continue to attract developers from around the world to our Welsh waters.”