Jo Stevens: Floating wind farms will bring jobs, prosperity and real change to Welsh communities

WALES is poised to take a leading role in the UK’s clean energy revolution, according to the Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens.

Speaking after the announcement that Milford Haven, Port Talbot and Swansea have been shortlisted as integration ports for the Celtic Sea’s floating wind developments, Ms Stevens described the news as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to put Wales at the forefront of green energy innovation.

The UK Government-backed plans could generate up to 4.5 gigawatts of electricity—enough to power more than four million homes—while creating over 5,000 skilled jobs and attracting billions of pounds in investment.

‘A huge leap forward for Wales’

Ms Stevens said: “Floating wind technology is at the forefront of the green energy revolution, offering an exciting opportunity for Wales to lead the way in developing this innovative technology. This is an incredible leap forward for renewable energy and a major economic opportunity for south and west Wales.”

She emphasised that the benefits go beyond electricity generation, with ripple effects expected across construction, manufacturing, logistics and engineering.

“These are skilled, green jobs that will provide long-term, secure employment in an industry that is essential for our future,” she said. “I want these jobs to be in Wales.”

Hope for the next generation

Reflecting on a recent visit to Pembrokeshire, the Secretary of State highlighted conversations with young apprentices at Ledwood Engineering and Dragon LNG in Milford Haven.

“I met Libby and Albie, two apprentices inspired by the clean energy sector and keen to build their futures in their home communities. Their optimism shows how renewable energy can truly deliver for local people.”

From coal to clean energy

Ms Stevens also spoke about the long maritime heritage of Welsh ports and how this legacy positions Wales to become a leader in renewable energy.

“From exporting coal to driving tourism, Welsh ports have always played a vital role. Now they are ready to seize the golden opportunity to become powerhouses of clean energy and innovation. This week’s announcement shows we’re not just part of the plan—we’re leading it.”

She added that the UK Government’s “Plan for Change” would support this ambition by helping the UK become a clean energy superpower, while delivering meaningful improvements at a community level.

Delivering real change

Ms Stevens stressed that floating offshore wind is about more than infrastructure—it is about transforming lives.

“Through floating wind, we are tackling climate change, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and putting more pounds in people’s pockets. The jobs and opportunities it creates will help lower energy bills and provide affordable, clean energy for generations to come.”

Pembrokeshire at the centre

Momentum is building around Pembrokeshire’s role in the sector. With backing from the Welsh Government and the Port of Milford Haven, work is already under way to prepare the region for its new role in green energy.

“Pembrokeshire can be at the heart of this,” Ms Stevens said. “From local job creation to major infrastructure investment, this is a once-in-a-generation chance to lead the way in clean, green growth.”

She concluded: “I am committed to making sure that this development brings lasting benefits to communities across Wales—from new career paths to lower household bills.”

PLANS to convert a garden shed to a holiday let at a Pembrokeshire seaside village with the highest rates of second homes and holiday lets in the county have been turned down.

In an application before Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Shabnam Banihashem of 19a Wesley Road, Little Haven sought permission to convert a rear garden shed, already replace with a summerhouse, to holiday let accommodation.

Local community council The Havens had objected to the scheme, saying it has concerns over parking and highway access arrangements, and concerns about impact on Highway traffic safety-related matters.

The park’s building conservation officer had recommended the plans be refused despite it being a “relatively hidden and constricted site” with a likely low impact on the conservation area, saying there “is likely to be an impact on character due to extra traffic – and the potential for setting a worrying development”.

An officer report recommending refusal said: “The Authority has concerns in connection with the proposal due to the impact upon the residential amenity of the host dwelling, and its immediate neighbours, the impact upon the character of the Little Haven Conservation Area due to the potential for additional traffic, and due to the proposed summerhouse being unsuitable in terms of size for the use of holiday letting.

“Ordinarily, when a proposal would result in the creation of a single residential unit, a financial contribution towards the provision of off-site affordable housing would be required [in accordance with policy].

“However, in this particular case, the unit being proposed would not be suitable for long term residential use due to the limited size of the unit. As such, had the proposal been deemed acceptable, the Authority would have imposed a condition restricting the use of the unit to C6 – short term holiday let.

“Given that it would not have then been possible for the unit to benefit from current permitted development rights between C3, C5 and C6 uses, a commuted sum would not have been sought.

“Overall, it is considered that the proposed development would have an unacceptable impact upon residential amenity, and upon the character of the Little Haven Conservation Area.”

The application was refused on grounds including “introducing a significantly greater level of noise and disturbance than the current situation, to the detriment of the residential amenity of neighbouring properties,” and impact on the conservation area.

A previous national park report, based on the second homes council tax premium payable to Pembrokeshire County Council,  has said nearly two-thirds of properties in Little Haven are either second homes or holiday lets.

For the main centres of settlements within the national park, second home rates, at the time of the 2023 report,  were: Tenby 28.07 per cent, Saundersfoot 29.35 per cent, St Davids 20.86 per cent and Newport 30.6 per cent.

For smaller communities within the national park, some of the figures were even higher: Amroth 47.37 per cent, Broad Haven 36.58 per cent, Dale 39.47 per cent, Lawrenny 28.57 per cent, Marloes 29.66 per cent, Moylegrove 22.64 per cent, and Wisemans Bridge 35.71 per cent.

Topping the list, by a large margin, were: Nolton Haven 60 per cent, and 62.96 per cent Little Haven.

A VISIT by a senior UK Government figure last week saw industry leaders highlight the crucial role of the Milford Haven Waterway in delivering energy, supporting jobs, and driving economic growth across the UK.

The representative met with members of the Milford Haven Energy Cluster – a partnership of key local and national stakeholders – to discuss the region’s contribution to both current energy security and future net zero ambitions.

Milford Haven is the UK’s largest energy port and handles around 20% of the country’s energy needs. It is home to major infrastructure including LNG terminals, a refinery, and a gas-fired power station, and is at the forefront of developing new clean energy projects such as floating offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture.

Industry leaders stressed the need for long-term investment in port infrastructure, grid connectivity, and workforce skills to ensure the region can meet its full potential in supporting the UK’s green energy transition.

A spokesperson for the Milford Haven Energy Cluster said: “We were pleased to showcase how Pembrokeshire is positioned to lead the UK’s clean energy future. The commitment and collaboration here is real – but we need the right policy frameworks and investment to unlock our potential.”

The Herald understands the visit was part of a broader series of stakeholder engagements by national policymakers and officials to assess the UK’s evolving energy landscape.