SHOPPERS and visitors in Cardigan were taken by surprise recently when Keir Starmer—or someone who bore a striking resemblance to him—made an appearance at a climate action stall. The stall, set up in the town centre, invited people to write to their Members of the Senedd urging them to support an international Fossil Fuel Treaty.

‘Keir’ led the way, being the first to post his letter in a special postbox on the stall, which was part of a Global Day of Action for climate justice.

Slow progress at COP29

Organiser Philippa Gibson, a retired Welsh teacher, explained the urgency behind the event. She said:

“The COP29 meeting in Azerbaijan this week is moving at a snail’s pace. Oil lobbyists and petro-states like Azerbaijan have overwhelming influence, blocking serious action on reducing fossil fuel dependency. But ordinary people across the world are saying enough is enough—it’s time for a fossil-free future.

“The climate crisis is already affecting Welsh communities. Rising sea levels are eroding our coastlines, while extreme weather endangers lives, homes, and food security. The economic shockwaves are being felt everywhere.”

Wales urged to lead the way

Physics teacher David Grace, another volunteer at the stall, highlighted the global stakes:

“These threats are even more severe for Pacific Island states, some of the most climate-vulnerable nations in the world. They are leading the Fossil Fuel Treaty campaign because their survival depends on it. Wales has a duty to stand with them and support their demands for a rapid global transition away from fossil fuels.”

The organisers noted that Wales has an opportunity to lead on climate action by endorsing the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. Thirteen nations, the World Health Organisation, the European Parliament, and thousands of organisations worldwide have already joined the growing movement.

‘Strong support’ in Cardigan

The stall drew significant local support, with many residents signing a petition and posting letters or postcards to their Members of the Senedd. The postbox quickly filled up as people expressed their backing for the Treaty.

A campaigner from Parents for Future, who was helping at the stall, stressed the importance of action:

“By endorsing this treaty, the Welsh government would align with existing policies and commitments. As part of a global effort, Wales could set an example, showing that early action is key to preventing climate disaster. This is vital for the sake of all children, both here in Wales and in more vulnerable countries.”

The event highlighted a growing desire among communities to push for urgent climate action. As part of the day’s activities, ‘Keir’ left a memorable mark—not just as a leader, but as a symbol of the change people want to see.

(Keir’s mask was created by artist Bim Mason.)

PEMBROKESHIRE COASTAL FORUM is set to host Nature and Marine Energy in Focus, an event exploring the intersection of marine renewable energy and nature conservation. With the dual crises of climate change and biodiversity loss intensifying, balancing renewable energy expansion with habitat protection has become crucial.

Scheduled for 27th November at 7:00pm at the Torch Theatre, the evening will feature key voices from the marine energy industry, conservation groups, and the community. A panel of experts will delve into the opportunities and challenges posed by marine renewable energy projects on local wildlife, examining how these initiatives might coexist with nature.

David Tudor, Co-Founder of Ocean and Coastal Futures and Pelagos, will host the event. Panel highlights include:

• The Crown Estate: Providing perspectives on seabed leasing for offshore wind projects.
• Emma Williams, Marine Biologist and Freediving Instructor with Celtic Deep: Offering insights into local marine life and its vital protection.
• Joseph Kidd, Afallen: Sharing lessons from marine energy projects and implications for future developments.
• Nadia Tomsa, Sea Trust: Focusing on marine conservation and community roles in biodiversity preservation.
• Will Cooke, OWC: Discussing responsible practices in project consenting, monitoring, and surveying.

The event will encourage an open conversation, with attendees invited to engage directly with the experts. Admission is free, though seating is limited to 100.

This forum is part of Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum’s Marine Energy Engagement Plan, an initiative funded by the Welsh Government’s Coastal Capacity Building Challenge Fund and the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund. The Plan seeks to empower local communities in Pembrokeshire to participate in marine renewable energy efforts through education and information.

For further details, visit the Torch Theatre website.

https://www.torchtheatre.co.uk/events/pembrokeshire-coastal-forum-nature-and-marine-energy-in-focus

A GREEN hydrogen fuel production facility by Pembroke Power Station has been approved by Pembrokeshire planners, despite a concern raised about the amount of water it will take from the county’s Llys y Fran reservoir.

An application by Pembroke RWE Generation UK plc for the construction of a green hydrogen production facility, with associated works including a water supply pipeline to the Pembroke Power Station and electrical supply connection to the National Grid Substation on land adjacent to Pembroke Power Station, was recommended for conditional approval at the November  meeting of the county council’s planning committee.

Green hydrogen is produced from water, in an electrolysing process using electricity obtained from renewable sources; the electrolyser site previously occupied by the power station’s sports and social club.

A report for planners stated: “The electrolyser is planned to be powered with ‘low carbon electricity supplied primarily via grid connected renewables’ and will create ‘green hydrogen’ for use in industrial processes. Water for the electrolyser will come from existing power station supplies.

“The pipeline corridor would supply hydrogen gas to the Valero Refinery. The pipeline corridor would follow the route of an existing natural gas pipeline. Most of the pipeline corridor would be underground, passing across farmland and a wooded area. It will emerge above ground within the Valero Refinery. The working width of the construction area for the pipeline is expected to be approximately 30m.”

Some of the final details are subject to potential change, members heard, but the maximum height of the flare stack would be 25m and the electrolyser building and compressor building would be up to 17m in height.

The report also quoted the applicant: “By bringing together technologies such as hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage, battery storage and floating offshore wind to the Pembroke area, RWE can help to decarbonise the energy sector in Wales for generations to come. RWE’s ambitions will build on Pembrokeshire’s local energy heritage, safeguarding existing jobs at the development site, while delivering a significant local economic investment and creating new jobs throughout construction and operation.”

Speaking at the November planning meeting, project development manager Zoe Harrison told members would make “a significant contribution to net zero,” the green fuel leading to approximately 90,000 tons less of Carbon Dioxide being produced a year, the equivalent of 18,000 cars being taken off the road.

Cllr Steve Alderman, who said he was in support of the proposal, raised the issue of the amount of water the facility would take from the Llys y Fran reservoir to produce two tons of hydrogen fuel per hour, members hearing nine kilos of water was needed for every kilo of hydrogen fuel produced by the electrolysing process.

Zoe Harrison said the water was available through an existing agreement with Welsh Water, and a suggestion by Cllr Alderman to look at desalinating seawater was not part of the current scheme but could potentially be looked at in the future.

Moving approval, Pembroke Dock councillor Brian Hall said: “I’m sure everybody does realise this is a very important project for Pembrokeshire full stop,” adding: “I can’t emphasise enough how the people in my area can’t wait for this development.”

Fellow Pembroke dock councillor Tony Wilcox also supported the proposal, saying of concerns about potential visual impacts: “To a certain extent, that horse has bolted, because it’s in the middle of a power station.”

Members unanimously supported delegated approval for the application.

The facility is expected to take 24 months to build, an earlier consultation on the scheme said, and could be built by early 2027.