News

Welsh marine energy sector recognised

Published

11 years ago

December 11, 2014

Tom Sinclair

Heavy lift: The turbine under construction

THE OFFICIAL short-list for the 2014 Tidal Today Energy Awards has been announced, recognising excellence and outstanding achievements in the tidal sector over the past year. Welsh based projects have been nominated for an impressive total of three awards; Best example of Industry Collaboration (Marine Energy Pembrokeshire), Best Small Company (Tidal Energy Limited) and Most Supportive Supply Chain Company (Pembroke Port).

Elizabeth Demestiha, Project Director at Tidal Today, said: “We are delighted to see that Marine Energy Pembrokeshire, Tidal Energy Ltd and Pembroke Port are finalists for an International Tidal Energy Award, this really demonstrates the momentum that is building for the Welsh marine energy sector, and we hope that this will encourage further collaboration between key players.”

Wales’ profile as an ideal location for marine renewables has increased in recent years, due to the excellent collaborative work by Marine Energy Pembrokeshire and its members. The working group comprised of technology developers, the supply chain, academia and the public sector provides a platform to collaborate on operational solutions such as research, contacts and knowledge exchange.

The success of this collaboration is highlighted by the number of developers and supply chain companies who are now members. Project Director of Marine Energy Pembrokeshire, David Jones, said: “Wales is entering a critical phase in the growth of marine renewable energy. There is increasing developer interest, new structural funds prioritising marine energy and Demonstration Zones for wave (Pembrokeshire) and tidal (Anglesey).

Our last meeting saw new developers join us from America, Australia, Singapore and Sweden. We are delighted to be short-listed, particularly alongside Tidal Energy Limited and Pembroke Port who are both members of MEP, highlighting that collaboration is key and that momentum in Wales is increasing.” Nominated for best small company, Tidal Energy Limited uses the DeltaStream technology, conceived by Pembrokeshire Marine Engineer Richard Ayre.

Deployment of the technology, which was fabricated on site by marine engineering experts Mustang Marine, is imminent with all commissioning work complete and the heavy lift barge stationed at Pembroke Port. The project is being used to prove the capability of DeltaStream as a tidal stream generator and will provide evidence on how the device interacts with the environment around it.

During its deployment, the device will be connected to the local distribution network, allowing the electricity generated by it to contribute to the renewable energy targets of the Welsh Government. The importance of collaboration has been further highlighted in the Awards by lgiving recognition to the most supportive supply chain company.

It’s a vital element which helps drive time and cost efficiencies for developers. Pembroke Port plays an important role in the region’s supply chain. The deep water port is within easy steaming distance of the area’s superb marine energy resource and has the onsite flexibility to accommodate renewables projects.

It has been instrumental in encouraging and demonstrating collaborative working with developers and other members of the supply chain. Kevin Hobbs, Short Sea Director at the Port of Milford Haven, has overseen the Tidal Energy Limited project based at the Pembroke Port facility. He said: “This is an exciting time for us all. We know the importance of building strong relationships and are delighted to receive this nomination from our clients, Tidal Energy Limited.”

Claire Palmer, Business Development and Project Manager, explained “Pembrokeshire has a superb marine energy resource and, importantly, has the supply chain services and infrastructure needed by developers in order to fabricate and deploy innovative devices. By working closely together we can fully understand their business and project requirements which means that we can offer them a crucial level of flexibility and, ultimately, time and cost efficiency.”

Alec Don, Chief Executive at the Port, added “Our long term strategy, supported by significant investment, has enabled Pembroke Port to become a key delivery centre for this growing industry and we are already beginning to take enquiries from key industry players. To receive recognition for this from within the industry is a proud moment not just for us, but for the whole of Pembrokeshire and Wales.”

The continuing development of marine energy has huge potential to create sustainable jobs for the region with a recent study by Welsh Government highlighting the impact this new sector could bring. A 30MW wave installation and a 30MW tidal stream installation has the potential to support over £70m of GVA across Wales, based on total investment of £150m. It could also provide 2,000 person-years of employment associated with development and installation, with a further £2m in GVA and 50 FTE jobs per annum throughout the period of generation.

Cllr Jamie Adams, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, added: “Pembrokeshire County Council recognises the critical role that the energy sector plays in the local, regional and national economy and proactively supports developments that help to diversify and sustain the sector and the county’s position as the UK energy capital. Marine renewables offer exciting opportunities for quality local jobs to be created and we’re delighted to be working with partners to help unlock this potential.”

Community

Family pays tribute to ‘gentle giant’ Alfie Copeland, 22

Published

30 minutes ago

January 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Police appeal for witnesses and dashcam after fatal A487 crash near Cardigan

THE FAMILY of a 22-year-old man who died in a road traffic collision on the A487 near Cardigan have paid tribute to him, describing him as “bright, happy, hilarious, adventurous, ambitious, kind and a gentle giant”.

Alfie Copeland died following the collision on the A487 northbound, close to the junction with Caemorgan Road, at around 1.05pm on Saturday (Jan 17).

In a statement released through Dyfed-Powys Police, his family said Alfie “had a bright future and so many plans”.

They added: “We will never stop missing him, always in our hearts.”

Officers investigating the circumstances of the collision are continuing to appeal for anyone who may have witnessed what happened to come forward.

Police are particularly keen to hear from drivers who were in the area at the time and may have dashcam footage which could support the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police online, email [email protected], or call 101, quoting reference DP-20260117-139.

Photo caption: Much-loved: Alfie Copeland has been described by his family as “kind and a gentle giant” (Pic: family).

News

Older people’s commissioner urges rethink after UK rules out water social tariff

Published

47 minutes ago

January 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Vulnerable households ‘should not have to cut back on washing or flushing the toilet’ to keep bills down, Rhian Bowen-Davies says

THE OLDER PEOPLE’S Commissioner for Wales has hit out at the UK Government after ministers declined to take forward a recommendation to introduce a national “social tariff” for water bills.

Rhian Bowen-Davies said she was “very disappointed” by the decision, which followed proposals from the Independent Water Commission. Campaigners have argued that a social tariff would bring consistent, meaningful support for people on low incomes, rather than the current patchwork of discounts that can vary between areas and companies.

In a statement, Ms Bowen-Davies warned that many households are already rationing basic water use in an effort to keep bills down.

“People on low incomes, including many older people, are already being forced to cut back on washing, laundry and even flushing the toilet to try to keep bills down,” she said.

She described that situation as “simply not acceptable”, arguing that people should not have to restrict water use “just to make ends meet”. She said doing so can increase the risk of illness and infection and can also lead to “stress, stigma, and social isolation”.

Ms Bowen-Davies said a national social tariff would provide “much needed, meaningful and consistent support” and help tackle what she described as a growing problem of water poverty.

She also warned that the issue is expected to worsen over the coming years, with projections suggesting it could affect around a million older households across the UK by 2029.

The Commissioner urged the UK Government to rethink its stance and work with the water industry and other stakeholders to ensure that customers who are struggling financially can access the support they need.

Education

Help shape the future of post-16 education in Wales, says minister

Published

57 minutes ago

January 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

POST-16 sector invited to respond to evidence paper as rising costs, skills needs and participation gaps come under scrutiny

UNIVERSITIES, colleges, schools, learners and businesses across Wales are being urged to share their views on the future of post-16 education and research.

The call was issued by the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Vikki Howells, following the publication of a Welsh Government evidence paper titled The Future of Tertiary Education in Wales.

The document sets out a range of challenges facing further and higher education and seeks responses to help build an evidence base that will inform future policy.

Among the issues highlighted are participation gaps, rising costs for both learners and institutions, demographic change, competition between education providers, and the need to better align skills provision and research with the needs of the Welsh economy.

Announcing the call for evidence, Vikki Howells said the system faced pressures that could not be tackled by government alone.

“The challenges facing our post-16 education system are too complex for us to solve alone,” she said. “Universities, colleges, schools, employers and learners hold vital insights about what is working, what is not, and what is possible.”

She said reforms had already been delivered, including the establishment of Medr and the maintenance of the Welsh Government’s approach to student support, but warned there were further challenges that needed to be addressed.

“This call for evidence is our opportunity to build on our progress, and your expertise will shape Wales’s future,” she said. “This is your opportunity to influence the future direction for your institution, your staff, your learners and your communities.”

The minister said she would be visiting Bangor University and Coleg Meirion Dwyfor this week to meet staff and students and hear their views on the pressures facing the sector.