HAUSH LTD, a leading green energy and technology company specialising in green hydrogen, has announced Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters. The move marks a significant step toward making the area a global powerhouse for green hydrogen production and innovation.

Pioneering green hydrogen solutions

Haush Ltd aims to be the first company of its kind to provide green hydrogen solutions for decarbonising land, sea, and air transportation, as well as exporting fuel to Europe. The company’s new headquarters will be established at Fleet Surgeons House, where work is set to begin immediately. The project will create local jobs and includes plans for an education centre to promote skills development in the community.

The Welsh Government is backing Haush through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR). This initiative focuses on fast-tracking hydrogen production and refuelling services for onshore and offshore fleets, including the design of a permanent hydrogen refuelling solution for the Port of Milford Haven.

High-profile visit to Milford Haven

Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Evans toured the new site on Thursday (Dec 12). She was accompanied by Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne, Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver, Chief Operating Officer Adam Hill, and Chief Financial Officer Peter Kristensen.

Rebecca Evans said: “Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK head office.

“The company’s ambitious growth plans align with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy. This investment will benefit both our climate and economy, generating quality, skilled jobs.

“Haush has committed to training local residents to the highest standards and expanding their educational initiatives to benefit the wider community.”

Driving green innovation

Haush CEO Richard Winterbourne expressed excitement about the project:
“Haush is delighted to make this announcement and move forward with this groundbreaking green hydrogen production project. We look forward to working closely with the Welsh Government to maximise training and educational opportunities for the local community, equipping a future workforce with valuable, transferable skills.”

Chief Technology Officer Joanna Oliver emphasi sed the company’s innovative approach:
“Haush is operating at the forefront of green hydrogen technology and aims to play a significant role in advancing the local green energy transition.”

A brighter, greener future

Haush’s decision to base its UK headquarters in Milford Haven underscores the town’s growing importance as a hub for renewable energy innovation. With strong support from the Welsh Government and a focus on local job creation, the project promises to boost the regional economy and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

(Photos by Martin Cavaney/Herald)

THE CROWN ESTATE has allocated funding to four Welsh organisations in the first round of its £50 million Supply Chain Accelerator programme, aimed at advancing the UK’s offshore wind sector. Across England, Wales, and Scotland, 13 organisations have received a share of £5 million to support early-stage supply chain projects.

The Welsh projects will contribute to the development of floating wind platforms, operations and maintenance facilities, and skills training. The funding is expected to unlock over £9 million in immediate investment, with the potential for £400 million in future capital expenditure. These initiatives align with The Crown Estate’s Celtic Sea Blueprint, which forecasts 5,300 new jobs and a £1.4 billion economic uplift through the deployment of floating offshore wind capacity in the region.

The Welsh recipients include:

• Marine Power Systems Ltd.
• Neath Port Talbot Group of Colleges (subject to contract)
• Pembrokeshire College (subject to contract)
• Tugdock Ltd.

Catalyst for change
Ben Brinded, Head of Investment at The Crown Estate, described the funding as a pivotal step for the UK’s renewable energy goals:
“This is a significant moment for The Crown Estate as our first funding into the UK’s offshore wind supply chain. We are fostering collaboration with industry and government partners to catalyse net zero, restore nature, and drive economic growth. The Supply Chain Accelerator is a vital step in maturing propositions that attract public and private investments.”

Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens welcomed the funding as “an important boost to build local jobs and skills in South Wales,” highlighting that floating offshore wind technology provides cheaper energy and creates future-proof jobs.

Rebecca Evans, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Wales’ ambition to generate sufficient renewable energy to meet its own needs by 2035.

Expanding potential
The Crown Estate, which oversees the seabed around England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, launched the £50 million Supply Chain Accelerator fund earlier this year. With £45 million earmarked for future rounds, the programme aligns with the UK’s Industrial Growth Plan for offshore wind, aiming to unlock more opportunities in the renewable energy sector.

About The Crown Estate
The Crown Estate is a business mandated by Parliament to manage a £16 billion portfolio that includes offshore wind assets, urban centres, and rural holdings. Profits from its operations, totaling £4 billion over the past decade, are returned to HM Treasury.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has introduced sweeping new rules aimed at regulating the cryptocurrency sector in the UK. These changes are intended to align crypto businesses with traditional financial standards and increase consumer protection. While the industry continues to expand, these regulations are already reshaping how crypto firms operate in the UK.

The growing role of cryptocurrency in everyday life

Cryptocurrencies are no longer confined to niche communities or speculative investments. They are now deeply integrated into major industries, including finance, technology, and retail. In finance, digital currencies provide investors with an alternative asset class. Blockchain technology, which underpins cryptocurrencies, has become a cornerstone for secure data management in the tech sector. 

In industries like iGaming, cryptocurrencies have been widely integrated. For instance, they now represent a whole category of online casinos that provide local players with an option to experience less restrictive sites than the ones regulated by the UK Gambling Commission. With stringent rules on things like betting limits to the mandatory nature of the GamStop program, many players now feel UKGC-regulated platforms are too stifling. 

According to iGaming expert Chris Jackson, offshore crypto casinos provide alternative options that aren’t subject to the GamStop program. Among them, the best non GamStop casinos UK players can register with offer a wealth of unique benefits. Between enabling faster payouts, better gaming libraries, and no-KYC registration processes, using crypto as a payment method has truly revolutionised this industry.   

On the other hand, many retail businesses have also started to embrace digital payments, offering customers the convenience of using cryptocurrencies to purchase goods and services. This trend is accelerating as people grow more comfortable with digital currencies, highlighting their role in transforming traditional payment methods.

The FCA’s stringent regulatory framework

The FCA’s new regulations mark a significant shift for the UK’s cryptocurrency sector. The rules require firms to meet higher capital standards, ensuring they can cover potential losses. In addition, measures to prevent insider trading and market manipulation are now in place, reflecting the FCA’s commitment to improving market integrity. 

Firms must also adhere to stricter rules on custody, safeguarding client assets, and implementing risk management practices. These changes aim to enhance transparency and build trust in the crypto market. The FCA’s approach signals that it wants to ensure cryptocurrency transactions are as safe and reliable as those in traditional financial markets.

The impact on crypto firms

The regulations are creating significant challenges for businesses operating in the crypto sector. Many companies are facing higher operational costs as they adjust their systems and processes to comply with the new standards. Some firms, particularly smaller ones, are struggling to meet the requirements and may decide to leave the UK market altogether. 

While larger firms are better equipped to adapt, even they are experiencing increased compliance burdens. The FCA has made it clear that these measures are necessary to protect consumers and uphold market stability, but the short-term effects on businesses are considerable.

Balancing consumer protection and innovation

At the heart of the FCA’s regulatory push is the goal of protecting consumers while promoting a fair and transparent crypto market. The new rules address concerns over financial crime, with firms required to implement robust anti-money laundering controls. 

Transparency is also a key focus, with businesses needing to provide clear and accurate information to customers about their operations. These measures aim to foster trust and stability in a market that has faced criticism for its lack of oversight.

However, the FCA’s challenge is to strike a balance between safeguarding users and allowing the industry to innovate. Many in the crypto community fear that overly stringent rules could stifle growth and push businesses to relocate to more lenient jurisdictions. Striking this balance is no small task, as regulators must consider both the rapid pace of technological advancement and the need for robust consumer protection frameworks.

What lies ahead for the crypto industry

The future of the UK’s cryptocurrency industry will depend on how effectively the new regulations are implemented and how the market responds. The FCA has signalled that it will continue refining its approach, with further consultations on consumer protection and market abuse planned for 2024 and 2025. These initiatives highlight a commitment to ongoing dialogue and adaptation as the crypto landscape evolves.

The UK government has also expressed its ambition to position the country as a global hub for digital assets. For this to succeed, regulators and industry players will need to work together to ensure that innovation is not hampered by excessive oversight. Collaboration between policymakers and businesses will be key in fostering a regulatory environment that supports growth while addressing risks. 

The coming years will be crucial in determining whether the UK can maintain its leadership in the evolving world of cryptocurrency. The stakes are high, but with a measured approach, the UK has an opportunity to set a global standard.