News

UK Energy Security Strategy ‘will unlock opportunities for Pembrokeshire’ says MP

Published

3 years ago

April 7, 2022

IN THE WAKE of rising global energy prices and the war in Ukraine, the UK Government has today published a new Energy Security Strategy. The strategy outlines the steps required to safeguard the nation’s long-term energy independence, security and prosperity.

Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Stephen Crabb has said that the strategy will unlock new economic opportunities for Pembrokeshire.

At the heart of the energy security strategy is major new investment in low carbon nuclear and renewable energy and includes new ambitious targets for achieving this. A drive to produce up to 50 gigawatts by 2030 from offshore wind has been set, of which 5 gigawatts will come from floating offshore wind.

Mr Crabb has been one of the leading voices in Parliament calling for a strategy to deliver a new floating offshore wind industry in the Celtic Sea. He recently urged ministers to raise the target for floating offshore wind deployment to send a signal to developers and investors about the long-term potential of this new industry.

The strategy will also see a significant acceleration of nuclear energy, with a target of up to 24 gigawatts by 2050. A new government body, Great British Nuclear will be set up to help bring forward these plans.

Commenting on the announcement, Mr Crabb said:

“I am delighted to see that renewable energy will play a significant role in the strategy, especially floating offshore wind. I want to see Pembrokeshire benefit from the growth of the renewable energy industry”.

“Milford Haven is one of the most important energy ports in Europe. The vision outlined today holds the potential for a new generation of investment in the port as we seek to develop large scale offshore wind power in the Celtic Sea. The Prime Minister is correct to say that Britain can become the Saudi Arabia of this renewable energy industry.”

“I recently met with the Crown Estate which owns the seabed and is responsible for licensing the various applications for new projects to urge a quicker roll-out of new licenses. There is no doubt that floating offshore wind is an industry where Pembrokeshire has a natural advantage, given our coastline, wind speeds, and the transferable expertise of our oil and gas sector. It has significant potential to make a major contribution to achieving the UK’s net zero ambitions whilst boosting our local economy and providing high skilled green jobs here in Pembrokeshire”.

Community

Tractor run lights up Pembrokeshire and raises funds for charity

Published

1 day ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE PEMBROKESHIRE ILLUMINATED TRACTOR RUN took place today (Dec 21), raising funds for two vital charities: the Catrin Vaughan Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance.

Starting at Clarbeston Road AFC at 6:00pm, the brightly lit convoy of nearly 200 tractors made its way through Withybush Hospital and Haverfordwest High Street before finishing at the Pembrokeshire County Showground.

The annual event has become a highlight of the festive calendar, drawing large crowds to witness the spectacle of tractors adorned with colourful lights and decorations.

Funds raised from the event will support the Catrin Vaughan Foundation, which provides crucial assistance to families facing hardship, and the Wales Air Ambulance, delivering life-saving emergency medical care across the region.

Organisers praised the dedication of local farmers and volunteers, whose commitment ensures the event’s continued success year after year.

(Image: Nia Marshall/Facebook)

Business

Ferry Terminal ‘extremely busy’ due to ongoing Holyhead closure

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

PEMBROKE DOCK Ferry Terminal has been experiencing significant congestion today as ferry services remain under immense pressure following the closure of Holyhead Port earlier this month.

The disruption, caused by storm damage, has rerouted ferry traffic through Pembrokeshire, leading to long queues and crowded facilities at the terminal.

The Herald can confirm that it has been very busy today with cars, lorries, and foot passengers queuing in large numbers. Staff are working tirelessly to manage the influx, directing vehicles and assisting passengers as they prepare to board the heavily booked ferries.

A spokesperson for the Port of Milford Haven said: “We are working closely with ferry operators and local authorities to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible, but the sheer volume of vehicles is causing unavoidable delays.”

Travelers are being urged to arrive early for their sailings and to remain patient as the terminal operates at full capacity.

Both Stena Line and Irish Ferries have increased capacity on their Pembrokeshire routes, deploying larger vessels, including the Stena Adventurer and the MV James Joyce, to handle the surge in demand.

From our position at the terminal, our photographer has captured photos showing long lines of vehicles, groups of foot passengers carrying luggage, and port staff coordinating efforts to ease congestion.

Authorities are advising non-essential travelers to consider rescheduling their journeys where possible and to monitor updates from ferry operators closely.

(Photos: Martin Cavaney/Herald)

Community

Festive celebrations at St Davids Cathedral this weekend

Published

2 days ago

December 21, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ST DAVIDS Cathedral is set to host two special events on Sunday (Dec 22), offering a blend of joyful participation and traditional carol singing to mark the Christmas season.

In the morning, families are invited to the Scratch Nativity at 11:00am. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as wise men, angels, sheep, or shepherds and take part in an unrehearsed retelling of the Christmas story. Canon Leigh described the event as: “Complete, wonderful chaos for an hour… but with some poignant, thought-provoking moments to centre ourselves on the real meaning of Christmas.”

Later in the evening, the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols by Candlelight will take place at 7:00pm, featuring the Cathedral Choir. The event, steeped in tradition, will see the cathedral bathed in candlelight as carols and scripture readings fill the historic space.

Doors will open at 5:45pm for those seeking unreserved seating, and a large turnout is expected for this beloved Christmas celebration.