The new Welsh Government has approved its first major offshore wind project, providing a testbed for floating innovation and marking a major milestone for the nation’s renewable energy aspirations.
Section 36 Consent has been granted for the Llŷr Wind Farm, a groundbreaking Test & Demonstration offshore wind project being developed by Cierco Energy in the Celtic Sea, off the coast of Pembrokeshire.
The project will contribute towards ambitions for net zero carbon in Wales, with around 2,000 jobs expected to be created during the construction phase of the scheme and further skilled jobs once it is complete.
Job creation is key, explains Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity and Energy, Adam Price:
“Major offshore wind projects can be catalysts for economic growth and prosperity. We will work to ensure this project will deliver high-quality jobs to people in Wales, which aligns with our mission to boost productivity.”
Pioneering but practical
Llŷr Wind Farm was granted a Marine Licence from Natural Resources Wales in June and secured the seabed rights in July having signed an Agreement for Lease with The Crown Estate.
The project will showcase pioneering offshore wind technologies and serve as a practical demonstration of how innovation can unlock offshore wind resources in deeper water. It will also help drive early momentum in industrial renewal and regional growth, plus support the development of future industries.
Green light for growth
Getting the green light is a major achievement, says Scott Harper, Chief Executive of Cierco Energy:
“As one of the Celtic Sea’s first offshore wind test and demonstration projects, Llŷr will help position South West Wales as a global hub for offshore wind innovation, advanced engineering, and clean energy expertise.
“This project not only accelerates Wales’ transition to renewable energy, but also creates opportunities for local businesses, ports, universities, and the wider supply chain – building the capabilities needed for future large-scale deployments and international growth.”
Established in 2001, Cierco Energy is an offshore wind developer with a distinctive focus on advancing novel technologies. Headquartered in Scotland, the company is active in the UK and California.
First power generation from Llŷr Wind Farm is targeted for 2031.
Further Reading:
- More about the Llŷr Wind Farm; and developer Cierco Energy;
- More about Natural Resources Wales; and its marine licensing;
- More about The Crown Estate; and its marine portfolio;
- More about the range of Welsh Government services and its main priorities;
- Also on SustMeme, Onshore winds of change blow hard across Europe;
- Also on SustMeme, Marine contractors vital to clean energy in Europe;
- Also on SustMeme, Time to repower and reprocess old wind turbines;
- Also on SustMeme, Scotland green-lights floating offshore wind farm;
- Also on SustMeme, Energy transition to add 40 million jobs by 2050;
- Also on SustMeme, First hybrid crew transfer vessels for UK offshore wind farm
Check out the full archive of stories on the SustMeme Climate & Energy Channel, now available to Sponsor.
