£64 million to fund new floating wind hub in Celtic Sea
Boost for South Wales as funding promises thousands of jobs
Port Talbot is set to become a key player in a pioneering clean energy industry, following a £64 million grant from the UK government.
The funding will help Associated British Ports (ABP) undertake crucial design and engineering tasks necessary to develop one of the UK’s first floating offshore wind facilities at Port Talbot.
Floating offshore wind technology, which differs from traditional offshore wind farms by operating in deeper waters, has the potential to harness stronger and more consistent wind speeds. When completed, the new Port Talbot hub plans to unlock around 4.5 GW of floating offshore wind projects in the Celtic Sea, enough to supply electricity to 6.5 million homes.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband highlighted the significance of this development, saying, “With its deep waters and strong winds, Wales is ideally placed to lead in floating offshore wind – a pioneering industry supporting thousands of jobs and boosting economic growth.”
Henrik L. Pedersen, CEO of ABP, said, “Today's progress showcases the collaboration between ABP and the UK government, creating infrastructure essential for delivering large-scale floating offshore wind and supporting thousands of skilled jobs."
The UK government's investment in Port Talbot builds upon previous efforts to rejuvenate the area, including £100 million in direct support for steelworkers and the community, and £500 million for a new Electric Arc Furnace, ensuring clean steel manufacturing for the future.