Government agrees support for Port Talbot floating offshore wind hub

The UK Government and Associated British Ports (ABP) have agreed to develop infrastructure at Port Talbot for a floating offshore wind farm in the Celtic Sea, subject to final clearance by the Competition and Markets Authority.

Providing high-quality jobs for the region, the plans will transform Port Talbot into a strategic industrial hub for floating offshore wind, providing the large-scale manufacturing, assembly and marshalling capacity required to deliver the projects.

Henrik L. Pedersen, Chief Executive Officer of ABP said: “Agreeing terms on government support is a critical step towards further ABP investment at Port Talbot and establishing the port as a cornerstone of the Celtic Sea floating offshore wind industry.”

Energy Secretary, Ed Miliband said: “From floating offshore wind in Port Talbot to a new generation of small modular reactors at Wylfa – this Government is putting Wales at the heart of our clean energy superpower mission.

“With its deep waters and strong winds, we are supporting Wales to storm ahead in floating offshore wind.”

Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added: “This is a significant moment for Port Talbot and a major step forward for the growing clean energy industry in Wales. This investment will further cement Port Talbot as a hub of the industries of the future and heralds the next chapter of jobs and investment to the area.

“The UK Government has backed steelworkers and the community in Port Talbot with £100 million in direct support and £500 million for the construction of a new Electric Arc Furnace, ensuring that the town will manufacture clean steel into the future.”

“Thanks to our investment, the work of trade unions and local businesses, and the dedication and spirit of local people, Port Talbot and whole region have a very bright future.”