Business

Report calls for bold action to unlock £47bn clean energy boom in Wales

Published

7 months ago

May 13, 2025

Pembrokeshire well placed to benefit from renewables push

A MAJOR new report launched in the Senedd today (May 13) sets out a bold and urgent roadmap to make Wales a world leader in renewable energy — with Pembrokeshire highlighted as a key player in unlocking a potential £47 billion economic boost.

Titled Unleashing the Full Value of Welsh Renewables, the report was published by RenewableUK Cymru, in partnership with Solar Energy UK and Marine Energy Wales. It provides the most comprehensive national assessment to date of the economic, environmental and social benefits of renewables between now and 2035.

Backed by detailed analysis from BiGGAR Economics, the report outlines three possible futures for Wales: sticking with current targets, modestly increasing ambition, or fully maximising the country’s renewable potential. Only the most ambitious scenario would see Wales achieve:

17.9GW of installed renewable capacity
£46.9bn in private investment – including over £10bn for Welsh firms
8,000 high-paid skilled jobs – with average salaries 26% above the Welsh norm
£183m in community benefit funds
13 million tonnes of CO2 saved, the equivalent of taking 10 million cars off the road
Nearly £2bn in tax revenues to support public services

Pembrokeshire at the heart of green growth

With its strategic coastline, established energy infrastructure at Milford Haven, and growing marine and solar sectors, Pembrokeshire is well placed to be at the forefront of the renewables revolution. Port infrastructure upgrades, floating offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea, and plans for green hydrogen production all feature prominently in the region’s future.

Jessica Hooper, Director of RenewableUK Cymru, said: “This report isn’t just another vision document — it’s a call to action. The only way to unlock the full benefits is to go big. That means major investment in ports like Milford Haven, grid infrastructure, skills, and faster planning.”

She added: “Pembrokeshire can be a renewables powerhouse — not only generating clean energy, but creating jobs, supporting communities, and putting money into local businesses.”

‘Wales must be bold’ – First Minister backs ambition

First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Scaling up renewables is not just about meeting climate targets — it’s an economic imperative. Wales has the natural resources, talent, and industrial base to lead the world, but we need bold action to seize that opportunity.”

“The report makes clear the size of the prize. With the right political will and partnership between government and industry, we can deliver a new era of green growth and prosperity in every part of Wales — from the valleys to our western coasts.”

Supporting wellbeing and future generations

The report also underlines how renewable energy aligns with Wales’s Well-being of Future Generations Act, supporting 86% of national indicators and contributing directly to all seven wellbeing goals.

As talks continue over a dedicated Welsh Renewables Sector Deal, the report provides a solid evidence base for minimum deployment targets and long-term planning. For Pembrokeshire, it could mean a renewed sense of purpose — and a leading role in powering Wales’s green future.

Ben Lewis-Hayes, Strategic Planning & Consents Director at Bute Energy and panellist for the report launch, said: “This report shows that Wales is primed and ready to take up the challenge of delivering a greener, more prosperous future.

“This new data shows that onshore wind presents the biggest, most immediate opportunity to scale up the capacity and economic contribution of Welsh renewables in the coming years, as well as the biggest tax receipts in the sector. Onshore wind could deliver £3bn in added value to the Welsh economy by 2035, and support more than 3,000 jobs annually.

“Bute Energy is primed to deliver green jobs, inward investment, and tangible community benefit in Wales. Whether it’s our Net Zero Skills Strategy, our Community Benefit Fund, or our approach to social value and community ownership, we’re committed to creating a lasting legacy in partnership with communities.

“If all of our projects gain consent, our portfolio would contribute 25% of the additional capacity needed to achieve the Welsh Government’s 2035 clean energy target.

“We will keep doing our part and, working with colleagues across the industry and beyond, we’ll maximise the benefits of the clean energy transition for Welsh people and businesses.”

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

5 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

9 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

16 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.