News

Wales’s clean energy industry ‘boosted’ by Minister’s visit to Copenhagen

Published

1 year ago

March 5, 2025

WALES OFFICE Minister Dame Nia Griffith has reinforced Wales’s pivotal role in the UK’s clean energy future during a trade mission to Copenhagen this week, meeting with Danish companies and potential investors.

The three-day visit came just a week after a landmark £600 million investment in Welsh green energy projects was announced. The deal, involving Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, Bute Energy, and Green GEN Cymru, will support the development of new onshore wind farms across Wales—expected to create up to 2,000 jobs.

Dame Nia’s visit underscored the strong collaboration between Wales and Denmark in renewable energy, with Danish firms already investing in offshore wind projects off the North Wales coast and supplying turbines for onshore and offshore developments across Wales.

Currently, Denmark generates 50% of its electricity from wind and solar power, aligning with the UK Government’s ambition to become a global clean energy superpower. A key initiative in this mission is the development of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea, a project being led in partnership with the Welsh Government and industry stakeholders. This cutting-edge technology, which involves placing wind turbines on floating platforms to optimize wind conditions, could create up to 5,300 jobs and contribute £1.4 billion to the UK economy.

During her visit, Minister Griffith engaged in high-level discussions to strengthen cooperation on clean energy and attract investment. Her itinerary included meetings with leading Danish institutions and companies, strategic discussions on renewable energy projects, and participation in St. David’s Day events promoting Wales as a hub for clean energy innovation.

Dame Nia Griffith, Wales Office Minister, said: “There are tremendous opportunities for partners and investors in Denmark to work with us to boost the clean energy sector in Wales.

“I am determined to ensure we achieve our clean energy mission, which will bring energy security, lower energy bills, create good jobs, and protect future generations from the costs of climate change.”

Tim Morris, Head of Communications for Associated British Ports, added:
“Ports in Wales and Denmark share the ambition to play a foundational role in enabling the energy transition.

“It was great to meet with other port operators and key stakeholders from both countries to exchange insights. ABP has strong links with Danish organisations such as Ørsted and the Port of Esbjerg, and we look forward to deepening these relationships.”

The visit showcased Wales’s potential as a leader in renewable energy, particularly in floating offshore wind, and laid the groundwork for future collaborations and investments that will drive economic growth and sustainability.

Crime

Four deny murder of Caerphilly teenager

Published

55 minutes ago

March 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

FOUR people have pleaded not guilty to the murder of a 17-year-old boy.

Ricardo Elliot, aged 27, Connor Palfrey, aged 24, Elexi Manny, aged 24, and Georgie Mears, aged 18, appeared before Merthyr Tydfil Crown Court on Friday (March 20), where each denied killing Tristan Shae Kerr.

Emergency services were called to a property in Abertridwr, Caerphilly, at around 5:45pm on Wednesday (Feb 5) following reports that a teenage boy had suffered serious injuries. Despite efforts, Tristan was pronounced dead at the scene.

The court heard that the teenager is alleged to have been attacked with a so-called “zombie knife” measuring approximately nine to ten inches in length.

During the hearing, the four defendants spoke only to confirm their personal details and enter their pleas.

A trial is due to begin on August 3 and is expected to last around six weeks. A further pre-trial review has been scheduled for July 24.

All four defendants were remanded in custody.

Paying tribute after his death, Tristan’s family described him as a “deeply loved son, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend.”

They said he was quick-witted, with a love for motorbikes and adventure, adding that he had a natural energy that lit up every room and drew people towards him.

Crime

Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach

Published

20 hours ago

March 20, 2026

Court Reporter

Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order

ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.

The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.

The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.

Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.

Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.

He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.

The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.

A pre-sentence report was ordered.