Source · Select Committees · Welsh Affairs Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Paragraph: 80
The UK Government should make clear the likelihood of further funding of ports infrastructure in...
Recommendation
The UK Government should make clear the likelihood of further funding of ports infrastructure in Wales to support the emerging offshore wind sector. Further port investment should be encouraged for Welsh ports, particularly the Celtic Sea ports, in any future funding rounds. Freeports are one current area where significant investment is being discussed by the UK Government, and we urge the UK and Welsh governments to reach agreement, as soon as possible, on the funding arrangements for a freeport in Wales. If these discussions can be unblocked, the competition process for a Welsh freeport should place a heavy emphasis on renewable and net-zero considerations and should look to facilitating investment in the development of renewable energy generation.
Paragraph Reference:
80
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
We fully recognise the potential economic opportunities presented by the growth in offshore wind (including floating wind) needed to secure our Sixth Carbon Budget and net zero targets. Ensuring that the UK can maximise the supply chain and jobs benefits of this technology, alongside its decarbonisation potential, is a priority for the Government. The Government’s investment in port infrastructure has been hugely successful to date, securing jobs and leveraging private investment to enable manufacturers to build the next generation of offshore wind projects. These investments will strengthen our green economic recovery from COVID-19, helping to build back better by prioritising jobs and skills. Hundreds of people in the local areas can now look forward to new opportunities and new skills in this new and growing industry. Given the rich wind resource in the Celtic Sea, in particular for floating offshore wind, Wales will be uniquely placed to capitalise on this, and we welcome the opportunity to work more closely with the Welsh government, the industry and other stakeholders to realise this.