Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Accepted
Paragraph: 24
Consenting bodies will face a significant ramp-up in applications from developers of floating offshore wind...
Conclusion
Consenting bodies will face a significant ramp-up in applications from developers of floating offshore wind projects. In order to process these applications in a timely and coordinated manner and accelerate the delivery of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea it will be critical for these consenting bodies to be sufficiently staffed and resourced.
Government Response Summary
The government references reports from Tim Pick and the Welsh government regarding skills, and states that the renewables industry is working within the Green Jobs Delivery Group to develop the Net Zero Skills and Workforce Action Plan, and that the Welsh Government has undertaken an end-to-end review of marine licensing and consenting processes with a final report expected at the end of October.
Paragraph Reference:
24
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The recent report from Offshore Wind Industry Champion Tim Pick recognised an increased need for environmental and biodiversity specialists for industry and statutory bodies, including Local Authorities, across the UK and, in line with the recommendations on skills from the Independent Review of Net Zero, the renewables industry is working within the Green Jobs Delivery Group to develop the Net Zero Skills and Workforce Action Plan to be published in 2024, which will address emerging workforce challenges. Similarly, the Welsh Government recently set out its Net Zero Skills Action Plan which aims to ensure a partnership approach, drawing on its social partnership way of working. The plan expressly recognises that the status quo is not sustainable, and the plan is the first step in helping to guide difficult decisions on business investment and planning, with education providers and public services. Welsh Government have also undertaken an end-to- end review of the marine licensing, consenting and supporting advisory processes to remove barriers, drawing on the work of existing groups. The final report of this review is expected at the end of October and will include a series of recommendations for improvements to these processes.