News
Marine Energy Hub opens in Milford
A NEW Marine Energy Hub has been created in Pembrokeshire this month as Marine Energy Pembrokeshire and the Port of Milford Haven have teamed up in order to share knowledge and facilities.
The joint initiatives between Marine Energy Pembrokeshire (MEP) and the Port of Milford Haven will be located on the doorstep of one of the world’s best marine energy resources.
The hub is a dynamic work site where marine energy companies can come together and share space, facilities and knowledge to unlock the sector’s full potential.
David Jones, MEP’s Project Director, explains “We know how great Pembrokeshire’s resources are and sharing this knowledge has always been at the heart of our activities. The creation of a Marine Energy Hub simply formalises this activity and allows any business to come and directly benefit from Pembrokeshire’s proposition. It’s not just an abundance of marine energy resources; there is also an experienced supply chain.
“Skilled in delivering the needs of the traditional oil and gas sector, the supply chain has already successfully diversified into the marine energy sector, fabricating and delivering Wales’ first tidal stream device with more projects in the pipeline. There is also a deep water port offering test, fabrication and deployment opportunities. The Port is hugely supportive of the marine energy sector and is the development home of Tidal Energy Ltd’s DeltaStream device.
“Of equal importance is the availability of funding. With €100.4 million of EU structural funding prioritised for marine energy in Wales, Demonstration Zones in Pembrokeshire and Anglesey, seabed agreements in place for three separate tidal stream projects, and a number of proposals for significant tidal range projects, Wales is well positioned to play a global leading role in marine energy.”
Set up in 2010, initiatives of this kind are at the heart of the Marine Energy Pembrokeshire proposition.
A strong voice in the industry, working tirelessly to highlight Pembrokeshire’s and Wales’ incredible proposition, MEP will become a vital resource within Pembrokeshire.
The working group meetings are vibrant exchanges, regularly breaking new ground, and the MEP annual seminar has become a key event in the UK marine energy calendar.
They are passionate about marine energy and the importance of collaboration – and they don’t just talk, they act. Users of the Marine Energy Hub will be able to tap into this knowledge base.
First to join the Marine Energy Hub is Marine Space. Their Technical Director, Joseph Kidd, said: “Marine Space has established itself as one of the leading companies in Wales providing development and consenting support to the marine energy sector, and having an office in Pembrokeshire has been a key part of that success.
“We are delighted to now be moving to the new Marine Energy Hub and see it as a great opportunity for us to work even more closely with developers and other organisations involved in marine energy to help push the sector forward.”
Overlooking the magnificent Milford Haven Waterway, the Marine Energy Hub’s office is owned by the Port of Milford Haven, a key supporter of the marine energy sector.
The Port’s Energy Manager, Tim James, said: “Collaboration is at the core of our operations, so MEP’s proposition really aligns with the Port’s aims. We know that Pembrokeshire has a strong future in marine energy and the creation of a Marine Energy Hub is an important step forward in helping more developers realise and access its benefits.”
Holly Pretious, Marine Energy Pembrokeshire Coordinator, rounds off by confirming that there’s more to come from MEP this year with some exciting plans underway: “The team’s overall aim is to establish Pembrokeshire and Wales as a ‘centre of excellence’ for a sustainable marine energy generation. We are looking at some important developments at the moment so it’s a great place to be. We’d encourage anyone who wants to explore how the Hub can add value to the growth of their business to get in touch.”
Crime
Large drug haul discovered near West Wales police station
A SUBSTANTIAL quantity of drugs was uncovered in a building just a few doors away from a police station in Newcastle Emlyn.
Dyfed-Powys Police seized 435 cannabis plants from the former Co-op shop on Wednesday, November 6, after securing a search warrant. The building is located only four doors down from the town’s police station.
A local worker, who wished to remain anonymous, told BBC Wales, “I’m not surprised drugs were found there—the smell has been around for at least a month.”
Officials confirmed that no arrests have been made so far, and investigations are ongoing. Police stated that officers will maintain a presence in the area as the inquiry continues.
News
Van crashes into chalet at Pembrokeshire holiday park
A VAN collided with a chalet at Freshwater Holiday Park in Pembroke last month.
The incident occurred on October 29 at approximately 5:45pm. A spokesperson for Dyfed-Powys Police confirmed: “Dyfed-Powys Police received a report of a single-vehicle collision at Freshwater Holiday Park at around 5:45pm on October 29. No injuries were reported, and there are no further police enquiries.”
According to a local resident, the crash left a dent on the front of the chalet, marking the fourth time such an incident has occurred. The resident expressed frustration, saying: “This is an accident waiting to happen, and it doesn’t seem that anybody on the management team is doing anything about it.”
Community
Connecting the Coast project celebrates significant achievements in nature recovery
CONNETING THE COAST, an ambitious three-year Nature Recovery project backed by Welsh Government funding, is drawing to a close, having taken impressive strides in protecting and enhancing the fragile ecosystems of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
The project, designed to safeguard coastal habitats and enhance biodiversity in farmland adjacent to the iconic coastline, works in close collaboration with local farmers and landowners, to restore habitats, strengthen ecosystem resilience, and promote sustainable land management.
Connecting the Coast has yielded impressive results, with land management changes creating flourishing habitats for wildlife. This is evident in the reappearance of coastal wildflowers like centaury and sheep’s bit where conservation grazing has been implemented and the appearance of scarce arable plants, such as weasel’s snout and bugloss, in crop margins that have been left unsprayed.
New hay meadows are also thriving, offering sanctuary to pollinators and birds, while species-rich pastures are helping to secure soil health and protect carbon stocks. These biodiversity-rich areas form vital buffers in the coastal ecosystem, offering increased resilience against the impacts of climate change.
Connecting the Coast Project Officer Clare Flynn said: “At the heart of Connecting the Coast is a strong partnership with the local farming community and landowners, ranging from large dairy farms to smallholders with just a few fields – and we’ve been met with overwhelming support and a warm welcome from everyone.”
Throughout its duration, Connecting the Coast has achieved several significant milestones in its mission to restore and protect habitats. These include installing almost 19,000 meters of fencing to improve conservation grazing and safeguarding over 80 hectares of coastal slopes to protect iconic coastal species. In addition, over 50 hectares of hay meadows and 50 hectares of species-rich permanent pasture have been created, enhancing biodiversity and supporting soil health.
As the project enters its final months, the team will continue to provide tailored support and advice to landowners, while closely monitoring the ecological outcomes of habitat restoration efforts. The project is committed to deepening conversations with both farmers and the Welsh Government to secure sustainable farming support and ensure that nature recovery remains a top priority in Pembrokeshire and beyond.
Connecting the Coast has received financial support from the Welsh Government’s Sustainable Landscapes, Sustainable Places fund.
Although applications for funding are now closed, further information about the project can be obtained by emailing Clare Flynn at [email protected].
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