Today at the Marine Energy Wales (MEW) Conference, a major announcement was made that could accelerate the future of the UK’s marine renewable energy sector. In a keynote address delivered virtually, Michael Shanks MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, confirmed the formation of a new industry-led Marine Energy Task Force – a strategic move to unlock the UK’s full potential in tidal and wave technologies.
Speaking to conference delegates, Minister Shanks highlighted the growing impact of marine energy in Wales, which has already attracted £292 million in investment and supported the creation of 429 full-time jobs. The new task force will bring together industry leaders to identify deployment barriers, map required investment, and deliver a strategic roadmap to advance marine energy nationwide.
“I’m pleased to announce that an industry-led Marine Energy Task Force is being assembled to consider marine energy deployment throughout the UK,” said Minister Shanks. “Its key outcome will be the delivery of a strategic roadmap, including recommendations for removing barriers, along with estimates of the investment required to deliver the UK’s marine energy potential.”
The task force’s findings will be published by the Marine Energy Council and presented to government to inform future policy and support. The initiative aligns with the UK Government’s broader ambition to scale up clean, homegrown energy and boost regional growth.
Minister Shanks also reaffirmed support for floating offshore wind, with the Celtic Sea leasing Round 5 now entering its final stages. Up to 4.5 GW of capacity could be deployed through this round, unlocking an estimated £1.4 billion boost to the UK economy and creating over 5,000 jobs. Welsh ports – including Milford Haven, Swansea, and Port Talbot – were highlighted as key partners in delivering these projects.
Tidal stream energy remains a key priority, with over 130 MW of capacity expected by 2029, largely thanks to recent success in Contracts for Difference (CfD) rounds. Meanwhile, wave energy continues to receive R&D backing, with long-term commercial viability seen as within reach.
Jay Sheppard, Project Manager, Marine Energy Wales said;
“The formation of the Marine Energy Task Force marks a critical step in turning ambition into action. For too long, the potential of our marine resources has been acknowledged but underutilised. This task force brings together the right expertise to chart a credible, coordinated path forward – one that addresses real-world barriers, unlocks private investment, and ensures that the benefits of marine energy are felt in coastal communities across the UK. It’s a moment of clarity and commitment for a sector ready to scale.”
Building on yesterday’s joint commitments from the First Minister and the Secretary of State to deepen cooperation between governments, the creation of this task force underscores a shared ambition to secure the UK’s energy future through innovation and collaboration. Marine Energy Wales welcomes this strategic and cooperative approach and remains committed to delivering the full potential of marine renewables for Wales and the wider UK.
