News

Buyer sought as tidal energy company goes into administration

Published

8 years ago

October 24, 2016

tidalenergy A BUYER is being sought for an established Welsh-based tidal stream technology company which has entered administration.

Tidal Energy Ltd, which was set up in 2001, uses technology to harness the power of the sea’s tides to provide a sustainable source of renewable electricity. It operates out of offices in Cardiff and Pembroke Dock.

However, the sector has suffered from economic and political uncertainty in recent times, due to the withdrawal of previous government subsidy promises under the Contracts for Difference regime.

Joint administrators Steve Wade and David Hill – from business rescue and recovery specialist Begbies Traynor – were appointed on October 17.

The administrators have retained key staff to continue the company’s operations and specialist knowledge while a buyer is sought for the business and assets as a going concern.

Tidal Energy Ltd has developed tidal stream technology called “DeltaStream”, a full scale 400KW turbine that has been successfully tested at Wales’s first tidal energy site at Ramsey Sound, in Pembrokeshire, west Wales. The Ramsey Sound site is also owned and operated by the company.

Tidal Energy Ltd Director, Chris Williams, said the results of testing the technology made the company a strong commercial prospect. “The full turbine characteristics have been tested and verified, and we also possess a wealth of data and information that makes the whole operation, including the turbine and the Ramsey Sound site an attractive proposition to potential partners,” said Mr Williams.

“Unfortunately, market forces have meant we have struggled financially, but we are confident that we have the skillsets amongst our people and a tried and tested technology in place that makes us confident about our future prospects. We therefore strongly believe we can help the UK lead the world in the development and application of tidal technology.”

Administrator, Steve Wade, from Begbies Traynor, said the economic climate had had a “significant” impact on the company’s business.

“We hope, however, that by working closely with the board of directors and government agencies we can attract potential purchasers to emerge from a variety of different sources,” he said.

David Jones, Project Director, Marine Energy Pembrokeshire told The Herald: “At a time when this new sector is really gathering momentum in Wales it is disappointing to hear that a Welsh based company, who have played a key role in the sectors development has gone into administration. It highlights the challenges of being at the forefront of a nascent sector.

“In the short-term it is important to work with others to ensure that the skills and knowledge of the TEL team are not lost from the area and their experience can assist other companies who are locating in Pembrokeshire. We need to recognise that the Ramsey project delivered on the funded priorities, which were to develop a technology and site, deploy and grid connect a technology and monitor environmental interactions.

“The project has provided invaluable learning and has assisted local supply chain companies to diversify into a new sector. It is crucial that this experience assists us all moving forward.

“The project site, which is grid connected will be a potentially attractive development opportunity for a number of marine energy companies. Pembrokeshire and Wales with its abundant resource, €100 million of EU Structural Funding for marine energy, world class ports and supply chain capability will continue to attract and support this new important energy sector. Minesto, Marine Power Systems and Wave-tricity have all recently chosen Wales as a destination to develop their technologies and there is real progress being made on our two Demonstration Zones.

He continued: “Combined with the exciting opportunities of tidal range the marine energy sector will continue to play an important role in creating new sustainable low carbon jobs in Wales. The UK is leading the world in this new sector but like many other nascent industries it is inevitable that some technologies will not move beyond an R&D phase.”

Business

Milford Haven: Wales’ energy hub embraces green transformation

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ONCE synonymous with oil and gas, Milford Haven is now poised to lead Wales into a cleaner, greener future—powered by hydrogen.

Green energy pioneer Haush Ltd has chosen Milford Haven as the location for its new UK headquarters, marking a significant step towards establishing the area as a hub for hydrogen innovation. The company’s ambitious plans aim to decarbonise land, sea, and air transport, while also exporting green hydrogen to Europe.

Backed by the Welsh Government through the HYBRID SBRI Hydrogen Port Re-Fuelling Project (HyPR), Haush’s initiative will kick off immediately. The HyPR project supports trials to accelerate hydrogen production and create refuelling solutions for both onshore and offshore vessels. A key part of this effort is designing a permanent hydrogen refuelling infrastructure at the Port of Milford Haven, unlocking its potential as a green energy leader.

For over 65 years, Milford Haven has been a cornerstone of the UK’s oil and gas sector, processing 20% of the nation’s oil and gas. Now, this latest investment signals the beginning of a transformative shift toward renewable energy.

Welsh Government Economy, Energy, and Planning Cabinet Secretary, Rebecca Evans, welcomed the move, saying:
“Jobs and green growth are a priority for this Welsh Government, so I am delighted that Haush has chosen Milford Haven as the base for its new UK headquarters. The company’s ambitious growth plans align perfectly with our aspirations to see Wales become a global leader in renewable energy generation.”

Milford Haven’s journey from oil and gas to hydrogen innovation could set a blueprint for green energy transformation in the UK and beyond.

News

Council Tax Premium set to increase for long-term empty properties

Published

6 hours ago

January 12, 2025

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL has approved a significant change to the council tax premium on long-term empty properties, aiming to address housing shortages and community impacts.

Starting April 1, 2025, a single premium rate of 300 per cent will be applied to all properties that have been empty for two years or more. This replaces the previous system of incremental increases.

Councillor Joshua Beynon, cabinet member for corporate finance and efficiencies, said:
“The premium is in place to encourage the return of properties into use as much-needed homes in Pembrokeshire and to reduce the impact of empty homes on the communities around them.”

Details of the premium

The premium is an addition to the standard council tax charge and applies across all three elements:

Pembrokeshire County Council
Police and Crime Commissioner
Town and Community Councils

Exemptions and discounts

Property owners undergoing renovations can apply for a council tax exemption if their property requires major repair works or structural alterations. This exemption allows the property to be tax-free for up to 12 months.

If the exemption has already been granted, owners may apply for a discretionary discount, which can be awarded up to the value of the long-term empty property premium. However, the standard council tax charge remains payable in these cases.

Applicants must provide written details of the required works, supported by photographic evidence. Each application is assessed on its individual merits, and the discretionary discount is typically limited to a maximum of 12 months.

National Empty Homes Grant Scheme

Pembrokeshire County Council is also taking part in the National Empty Homes Grant Scheme, which offers grants of up to £25,000 to owners of eligible empty properties. This funding aims to bring more properties back into use and alleviate housing pressures in the county.

For more information about the grant, visit the National Empty Homes Grant website.
To apply for a council tax discount, contact Revenue Services via:

Email: [email protected]
Post: Revenue Services, County Hall, Haverfordwest, SA61 1TP

News

Heavenly Host of Angels Event at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church

Published

1 day ago

January 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE HEAVENLY HOST OF ANGELS will be open at St Katharine and St Peter’s Church, Milford Haven, this weekend, offering a warm and welcoming space for all.

When:

Saturday, January 11: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Sunday, January 12: 4:00pm – 7:00pm
Monday, January 13: 4:00pm – 7:00pm

Entry is free, and children will receive glow sticks to add to the magical atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to hunt for your angel or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, all are welcome to drop in.

Donations in aid of Wales Air Ambulance are optional and much appreciated.

Additionally, on Sunday, January 12, a special Mass at 9:30am will celebrate the Second Sunday of Epiphany and the Baptism of Christ.

Come along and experience this beautiful event – “Come and See.”