News
Green light for wave energy technology off the coast of Pembrokeshire
BOMBORA has received the green light for both its on-shore and off-shore licence applications for the deployment and testing of their mWave™ wave energy technology off the coast of Pembrokeshire. This is the first Marine Licence to be granted for a wave energy device in Wales.
Lesley Griffiths, the Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs said,
“I am pleased Bombora has received a marine licence to deploy and operate the first wave device in Welsh waters. This is a significant step forward for the industry and our journey towards a low carbon future for Wales. Renewable energy is an integral part of our vision for a more sustainable future. Following our declaration of a climate change emergency, it is more important than ever projects such as Bombora’s wave energy converter are realised.
“The First Minister and I have met with Natural Resources Wales to ensure we maximise opportunities to improve the planning process helping us to realise our potential to lead the way on marine energy.
“I hope we can learn from this project and how it interacts with the marine environment to further develop our understanding and the renewable industry in Wales for the benefit of all.”
Bombora is currently mid-way through its project to design, build, deploy, test and validate a 1.5MW mWave wave energy converter. In 2018 Bombora secured a £10.3 million European Regional Development Fund grant through the Welsh Government to support its Pembrokeshire mWave Demonstration Project.
Securing the required consents in a reasonable timeframe is a critical requirement for all marine energy projects.
Project Manager, Madeline Cowley commented, “Devices need to be tested in open ocean environments to validate their performance and offshore operations processes. We are very pleased with the thorough and timely approach adopted by Natural Resources Wales in processing our consent applications. This reflects Wales’ strong commitment to the marine energy sector and will attract other developers to the region”.
Rhian Jardine, Head of the Development Planning and Marine in Natural Resources Wales (NRW) said:
“NRW is committed to doing all we can to tackle the climate emergency including supporting the deployment of renewable energy projects while ensuring the sustainable management of the marine environment.
“We have been working with Bombora Wave Power Europe Limited on their Wave Energy Converter proposal in East Pickard Bay, Pembrokeshire.
The marine licence and EIA Consent decision has now been successfully granted for the project by NRW’s Permitting Service, determined within 5 months of formal submission.”
Collaborating closely with the “Marine Energy Test Area” (META) through Marine Energy Wales and the Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum has enabled Bombora to navigate and expedite the consents.
“This is another important milestone in Bombora’s plans to deploy their innovative low carbon wave energy technology. It is great to see continued progress with their project plans and we are delighted to have supported the company since the decision to set-up their European headquarters in Wales” said David Jones, Director of Marine Energy Wales.
Bombora is pressing ahead with plans for wave parks across Europe. The first of these is a 2MW project in Lanzarote, Spain.
The mWave deployment in Pembrokeshire will be carefully monitored to confirm the environmental footprint of the wave energy converter. This information will form a critical element of Bombora’s future wave park project consenting applications.
mWave is fully submerged under the sea and is non-disruptive to ocean users and marine life. These design elements, in addition to its innovative cell membrane technology, set mWave apart from other wave energy devices by delivering minimal visual and environmental impact.
Crime
Detective Chief Inspector describes child’s death as ‘heartbreaking’
POLICE have described the death of seven-year-old Louis Linse at the hands of his mother as a “heartbreaking incident” that has deeply impacted officers and the local community.
Papaipit Linse, 43, from Haverfordwest, pleaded guilty to manslaughter by diminished responsibility at Swansea Crown Court earlier this week. Louis was found unresponsive in his bed on January 10 after Linse called emergency services to report his death.
Detective Chief Inspector Gary Williams, who led the investigation, reflected on the tragic events and the challenges faced by his team.
“This was a truly heartbreaking incident, involving the death of a young child at the hands of his mother,” DCI Williams said. “Officers who attended the scene were met with an incredibly difficult and emotive situation, yet they acted with professionalism and care, ensuring that a thorough investigation was conducted.”
The case has not only shocked the local community in Haverfordwest but has also brought to light the deep personal struggles and trauma faced by Linse in the years leading up to the tragedy.
A troubled family history
Linse, originally from Chiang Mai, Thailand, is the estranged wife of 51-year-old Edward Linse, a former businessman now detained in a psychiatric facility. Their marriage was marked by years of domestic violence, financial hardship, and failed business ventures.
In 2017, Edward assaulted his wife at their £1.2m Cheshire home during an argument about visa issues. The attack, carried out with a children’s book as a weapon, highlighted the volatile nature of their relationship. His lawyer, Peter Malone, told the court that Edward struggled to control his emotions, which he traced back to difficulties experienced during his boarding school years.
The violence escalated over the years, with Edward eventually convicted of a brutal assault on his own parents. Following his incarceration in a psychiatric facility, Linse was left to care for their two children alone.
The breakdown of their marriage was compounded by financial woes. After the failure of a café venture in Chiang Mai, the couple relocated to the UK. In 2022, their landscaping business, Alderley Landscapes, ceased trading, leaving Linse to move to Haverfordwest with her children in search of a fresh start.
Life in Haverfordwest
Neighbours in Upper Market Street described Linse as a quiet, reserved figure who homeschooled her two children. Despite her struggles, those close to the family said Louis appeared well-cared-for, with one neighbour, Dr Sean Phelan, expressing disbelief at the tragedy.
“I never thought something like this could happen,” Dr Phelan said. “The children were polite and seemed happy. It’s shocking to think of what must have been going on behind closed doors.”
Forensic teams have been working at the scene since the incident, piecing together the circumstances surrounding Louis’ death. Floral tributes have been placed outside the property as the community mourns the young boy’s loss.
Police dedication
DCI Williams praised the dedication of the officers involved in the investigation, acknowledging the emotional toll such cases can have on emergency responders.
“Our team has worked tirelessly since January to uncover the circumstances of Louis’ death and to ensure justice was brought for him,” he said. “While no result in court can undo this loss, we hope it offers some measure of closure to those who knew and loved Louis. Our thoughts remain with them during this devastating time.”
The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of early intervention and support for families facing domestic violence and mental health issues. Police urged anyone in similar situations to seek help from local services.
Awaiting sentencing
Linse has been remanded in custody and will be sentenced on December 13. The court is expected to consider the impact of her mental health struggles and the years of abuse she endured when determining her sentence.
As the investigation concludes, the police and community alike continue to grapple with the profound loss of a young life under such tragic circumstances.
Papaipit Linse: Admits killing her son, but denies murder
Business
Deposit Return Scheme diversion ‘illogical’ says Pembrokeshire brewery
TENBY HARBOUR BREWERY and local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz have urged the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision to withdraw from a UK-wide Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) due to its insistence on including glass.
Earlier this week, Climate Change Secretary Huw Irranca-Davies announced that the Welsh Government would no longer participate in the development of a UK-wide DRS, citing issues arising from the UK Internal Market Act 2020. This decision is believed to be influenced by the Welsh Government’s plan to include glass in its scheme—a factor that contributed to the collapse of Scotland’s DRS in 2023.
The move has been met with frustration and anger from numerous organisations, who argue that this divergence will increase costs for Welsh producers and consumers.
Commenting on the matter, Samuel Kurtz said: “This decision is deeply frustrating, and to diverge from a UK-wide scheme shows that it is not one made with the best interests of Welsh consumers and producers at its core.
“The UK market is so interlinked that any decision which places Welsh businesses at a competitive disadvantage should not proceed. These calls from a range of industry and business representatives have been ignored by the Welsh Government.
“For the sake of our businesses and consumers, I urge the Welsh Government to reconsider its decision, align itself with the UK-wide scheme, and provide proper support to Welsh businesses.”
Industries, especially the micro-brewery sector, would be especially hit hard in Wales by the Welsh Governments choice.
Speaking following this announcement, Richard Johnson, Head Brewer at Tenby Harbour Brewery said:
“The brewing industry has had to tread a path through covid lockdowns, energy price increases, a cost of living crisis and rising wage and national insurance bills, making it increasingly difficult for brewers get good returns and re-invest in their businesses.
“Wales is a recycling nation, so a blunt ‘one size fits all’ approach creates additional logistical and financial burdens on the smallest producers, when the very largest producers are generating the majority of the recycling demand.
“It also seems illogical to diverge away from a UK wide scheme which will put Welsh brewers and drinks producers at a disadvantage.
“The UK and Wales has a proud brewing heritage, but adding in measures such as DRS to small brewers means that their time and money are directed to these activities, instead of using their time for innovation and R&D, of which the UK brewing scene is known and revered for.”
Business
Bluestone crowned ‘Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodge Holidays’
BLUESTONE is celebrating a major win after being named the Best Small Company for UK Parks and Lodges Holidays at the prestigious British Travel Awards 2024.
The announcement was made at the prestigious awards ceremony this week, marking yet another significant achievement for the popular West Wales destination.
This award recognises Bluestone’s commitment to providing exceptional family holiday experiences at its 500-acre resort in the stunning Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
“We are absolutely thrilled to receive this award,” said Bethan Rees, Head of Marketing at Bluestone. “It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, who create magical and memorable experiences for families all year round. We are incredibly grateful to every single one of our guests who voted for us and who choose to visit us year on year.
“When you look at the array of other finalists, the award demonstrates why we’re so proud of winning it. This is due to our continued investment, team, and commitment to environmentally sustainable tourism.”
This award builds on Bluestone’s impressive track record. It has consistently received high praise for its family-friendly facilities, commitment to sustainability, and dedication to providing outstanding customer service. Earlier this year, Bluestone was again recognised by Which? as one of the UK’s top holiday destinations and the best rated in Wales.
The British Travel Awards are the largest consumer-voted awards programme in the UK. Winning this award highlights Bluestone’s position as a leader in the family holiday market and reinforces its reputation as a top choice for unforgettable family getaways.
Bluestone, which employs over 800 people and is one of the largest employers in West Wales, is also committed to investing in its people and local community. It provides extensive training and development through its People Services team and the Bluestone Academy. In addition, it supports a wide range of local projects and initiatives through the Bluestone Foundation.
-
Business3 days ago
Specsavers relocates to landmark new store following £1.2 million investment
-
Crime5 days ago
Pembroke man faces rape and sexual assault charges
-
Community7 days ago
Special guests for Torch showing of ‘Attack on Sorpe Dam’
-
Community4 days ago
Waldo Lounge in Haverfordwest is now officially open!
-
News4 days ago
A tribute to Honey Arteya Foxx French, written by her family
-
Top News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire’s ‘coal king’ lifts one of world’s oldest 127 kg lifting stones
-
News6 days ago
Police appeal after Nerf gun bullet hit baby
-
News6 days ago
Inquest hears social media bullying was factor in teen’s tragic death