19.02.18 – Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns met with Port of MIlford Haven’s CEO Alec Don and Wavetricity’s CEO Simon Gillett in the Marine Energy Wales offices
Welsh Secretary Alun Cairns visited some of Pembrokeshire’s leading marine renewables tech firms today to underline his support for the sector and highlight the importance of the Government’s City Deal to future economic growth in the region.
The Secretary of State was joined by Alec Don, Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven which is leading the £76m Pembroke Dock Marine project. The project was successful in its bid for the UK Government’s City Deal funding as it seeks to create a world-leading centre for the development and testing of wave and tidal energy devices here in Pembrokeshire. The development will also extend beyond renewables creating facilities that have application for multiple blue economy industries.
Mr Cairns caught up with the progress of Marine Power System’s WaveSub and Bombora’s mWave, just two of the innovative devices being developed in Pembrokeshire which are hoped to generate clean, low cost electricity.
Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:
“The UK Government’s Swansea Bay Region City Deal investment offers Pembrokeshire the chance to make a large, once in a generation investment in its own economic future. As one of the UK’s leading energy ports the Milford Haven Waterway already boasts excellent infrastructure and an outstanding supply chain, with talented companies serving domestic and international clients in shipbuilding, oil and gas.
“We want this region to be in the best position possible to compete with other port-centred regions across Europe, and to be a destination of choice for the fast-growing marine renewable energy industry. The City Deal funding, alongside investment from the Port of Milford Haven and others will play a vital role in helping to attract that industry to Welsh shores.”
“Pembrokeshire is undoubtedly a wonderful place to live. Through the City Deal, the UK Government wants to make sure there are more opportunities for school leavers to benefit from local career opportunities, and to work in rewarding, skilled industries. The marine renewables industry clearly has the potential to provide those jobs of the future.”
Chief Executive of the Port of Milford Haven, Alec Don said:
“We are grateful for the support of the UK Government in this project. Pembroke Dock Marine has the potential to fundamentally reshape Pembrokeshire’s future, and public funding is a critical part of achieving our united goals.”
“Combined with private investment, City Deal Funding will be a rare boost in a region that is heavily reliant on so few, typically seasonal, industries as well as the nationally important fuel industry. We believe the City Deal will help create new opportunities that will secure existing jobs and create new rewarding employment for the people of Pembrokeshire.”