Mark Drakeford AM, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, visited a Marine Energy Hub yesterday on the Milford Haven Waterway to receive updates about sector activity across Wales and plans for a City Deal project to support the blue economy.
 Mark Drakeford AM meets with Marine Energy Wales and Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum team |
 Mark Drakeford AM with Chris Williams (left) and Cam Algie of Bombora Wavepower |
The Cabinet Secretary met with the Marine Energy Wales and Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum team to hear about the wider work they are currently undertaking in the coastal zone with a particular focus on marine energy. Marine Power Systems were also present to provide an update on their WaveSub device which was recently built and tested in Pembroke Dock.
David Jones, Project Director of Marine Energy Wales said,
“There is no doubt marine energy is having a positive impact on jobs and blue growth in Wales, providing supply chain diversification and resilience in the coastal areas that need new economic opportunities. Projects are progressing, particularly in Pembrokeshire and Anglesey driven by the support of Welsh Government and EU Funds.”
The Swansea Bay City Deal was a focus for the visit as the Cabinet Secretary met with the team behind Pembroke Dock Marine – the initiative to develop a world class centre for marine energy development, fabrication, testing and deployment. Mr Drakeford met with the four partners (Port of Milford Haven, Marine Energy Wales, Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult and Wave Hub) who are working together to deliver this project which aims to capture the full economic potential of this new industry.
The Cabinet Secretary also announced funding for Bombora Wavepower to support the design and testing of their wave energy convertor in Pembrokeshire.
Commenting on his visit, Mr Drakeford said,
“Wales has world-class marine energy resources and so I was delighted to visit Pembroke Dock to announce £10.3m of EU funding for the marine technology sector and see some of these outstanding resources first hand.
“This funding will support the development and testing of cutting-edge wave energy technology, providing new low carbon jobs and playing an important role in supporting economies and creating opportunities in Pembrokeshire.”