Business

Crown Estate awards rights for third Celtic Sea floating wind farm

Published

2 weeks ago

November 19, 2025

OCEAN WINDS selected as developer as politicians and industry hail “huge vote of confidence” in west Wales

The Crown Estate has confirmed that global offshore wind developer Ocean Winds has been awarded the rights to build the third commercial-scale floating wind farm in the Celtic Sea — a decision described as a major milestone for the UK’s renewable energy sector and a significant opportunity for west Wales.

The announcement finalises all three project development areas under Offshore Wind Leasing Round 5, following earlier awards to Equinor and Gwynt Glas. Together, the three sites could deliver up to 4.5GW of clean power — enough to supply more than four million homes — and establish the Celtic Sea as one of the world’s leading regions for floating offshore wind.

Ocean Winds, a 50-50 joint venture between EDPR and ENGIE, is recognised as a global leader in floating wind technology. The company delivered the world’s first semi-submersible floating wind farm, WindFloat Atlantic, in Portugal, and has an established UK track record through its Moray East and Moray West projects.

Boost for west Wales

The Crown Estate said today’s award represents a strong vote of confidence in the sector during a challenging period for global energy markets.

Dan Labbad, Chief Executive of The Crown Estate, said the organisation was proud to secure the third developer and ensure the full delivery of the Round 5 capacity.

He said the three companies — Equinor, Gwynt Glas and Ocean Winds — will be progressing “some of the largest floating wind farms in the world.”

The projects are expected to bring significant economic opportunities for Wales and the south-west of England, particularly through port development, manufacturing, assembly, and long-term maintenance. Port Talbot and the Port of Bristol have already been identified as potential hubs for turbine assembly and deployment.

Under tender requirements, all developers must meet strict commitments for local benefits, including new apprenticeships, wider workforce development, and supporting young people who are not currently in education or employment. Full delivery of Round 5 could create more than 5,000 jobs and contribute £1.4 billion to the UK economy.

Ocean Winds must now outline which ports and supply-chain partners it intends to work with before finalising an Agreement for Lease, expected in spring 2026.

Political reaction

Welsh politicians described the announcement as transformative for west Wales.

Samuel Kurtz MS said the decision moves the region “a significant step closer” to realising its potential as a strategic hub for renewable energy and economic growth.

He said the priority now must be ensuring that local workers, local manufacturers, and communities secure real and lasting benefits from the new industry.

UK Energy Secretary Ed Miliband welcomed the award, saying it strengthens the UK’s position as a global leader in floating wind and “unlocks the region’s vast potential to deliver our clean power mission and bring down energy bills for good.”

Wales’ Economy Minister Rebecca Evans said the project shows the country is “at the global forefront of the offshore wind sector”, while Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens called it “another major step forward” for creating thousands of skilled jobs across Wales.

Industry leaders: “Thousands of skilled jobs”

RenewableUK’s Deputy Chief Executive Jane Cooper said today’s announcement means the Celtic Sea leasing round is now fully underway, creating “excellent opportunities” for ports in south Wales to lead the manufacture and assembly of floating platforms and turbines more than 250 metres tall.

She highlighted that the UK has the second-largest pipeline of floating wind projects in the world and predicted the industry could support 97,000 jobs by 2050, contributing £47 billion to the economy.

Port leaders also welcomed the announcement. Richard Ballantyne of the British Ports Association said it gives Welsh and south-west ports “a real opportunity to be in the driving seat,” while Geraint Evans of the UK Major Ports Group said floating wind could become a generational economic opportunity for coastal communities.

Background: de-risking Round 5

Recognising the commercial complexity of floating wind at scale, The Crown Estate has taken steps to de-risk Round 5, including:

agreeing a grid connection plan with the National Energy System Operator
investing in technical and environmental surveys around the sites
completing a Plan-Level Habitats Regulations Assessment before auction

The Crown Estate said these steps have given developers greater confidence to invest and will help accelerate the deployment of floating offshore wind in UK waters.

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

3 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Direct services to Paris-Charles de Gaulle launched to cater for Welsh supporters, French fans and couples planning a Valentine’s getaway

CARDIFF AIRPORT and Air France have unveiled a series of special direct flights between Cardiff (CWL) and Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) scheduled for February 2026.

Timed to coincide with two major dates — the Wales v France Six Nations clash on Saturday 15 February and Valentine’s weekend — the flights are designed to offer supporters and holidaymakers an easy link between the two capitals.

For travelling French rugby fans, the services provide a straightforward route into Wales ahead of match day at the Principality Stadium, when Cardiff will once again be transformed by the colour, noise and passion that accompanies one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited fixtures.

For Welsh passengers, the additional flights offer a seamless escape to Paris for Valentine’s Day, as well as opportunities for short breaks and onward travel via Air France’s wider global network.

Cardiff Airport CEO Jon Bridge said: “We’re thrilled to offer direct flights to such a vibrant and exciting city for Valentine’s weekend. Cardiff Airport is expanding its reach and giving customers fantastic travel options. We’ve listened to passenger demand and are delighted to make this opportunity possible. There is more to come from Cardiff.”

Tickets are already on sale via the Air France website and through travel agents.

Special flight schedule

Paris (CDG) → Cardiff (CWL):

13 February 2026: AF4148 departs 17:00 (arrives 17:30)
14 February 2026: AF4148 departs 14:00 (arrives 14:30)
15 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
15 February 2026: AF4150 departs 19:40 (arrives 20:10)
16 February 2026: AF4148 departs 08:00 (arrives 08:30)
16 February 2026: AF4150 departs 16:30 (arrives 17:00)

Cardiff (CWL) → Paris (CDG):

13 February 2026: AF4149 departs 18:20 (arrives 20:50)
14 February 2026: AF4149 departs 15:20 (arrives 17:50)
15 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
15 February 2026: AF4151 departs 21:00 (arrives 23:30)
16 February 2026: AF4149 departs 09:20 (arrives 11:50)
16 February 2026: AF4151 departs 17:50 (arrives 20:20)

Business

Cwm Deri Vineyard Martletwy holiday lets plans deferred

Published

11 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CALLS to convert a former vineyard restaurant in rural Pembrokeshire which had been recommended for refusal has been given a breathing space by planners.

In an application recommended for refusal at the December meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council’s planning committee, Barry Cadogan sought permission for a farm diversification and expansion of an existing holiday operation through the conversion of the redundant former Cwm Deri vineyard production base and restaurant to three holiday lets at Oaklea, Martletwy.

It was recommended for refusal on the grounds of the open countryside location being contrary to planning policy and there was no evidence submitted that the application would not increase foul flows and that nutrient neutrality in the Pembrokeshire Marine SAC would be achieved within this catchment.

An officer report said that, while the scheme was suggested as a form of farm diversification, no detail had been provided in the form of a business case.

Speaking at the meeting, agent Andrew Vaughan-Harries of Hayston Developments & Planning Ltd, after the committee had enjoyed a seasonal break for mince pies, said of the recommendation for refusal: “I’m a bit grumpy over this one; the client has done everything right, he has talked with the authority and it’s not in retrospect but has had a negative report from your officers.”

He said the former Cwm Deri vineyard had been a very successful business, with a shop and a restaurant catering for ‘100 covers’ before it closed two three years ago when the original owner relocated to Carmarthenshire.

He said Mr Cadogan then bought the site, farming over 36 acres and running a small campsite of 20 spaces, but didn’t wish to run a café or a wine shop; arguing the “beautiful kitchen” and facilities would easily convert to holiday let use.

He said a “common sense approach” showed a septic tank that could cope with a restaurant of “100 covers” could cope with three holiday lets, describing the nitrates issue as “a red herring”.

He suggested a deferral for further information to be provided by the applicant, adding: “This is a big, missed opportunity if we just kick this out today, there’s a building sitting there not creating any jobs.”

On the ‘open countryside’ argument, he said that while many viewed Martletwy as “a little bit in the sticks” there was already permission for the campsite, and the restaurant, and the Bluestone holiday park and the Wild Lakes water park were roughly a mile or so away.

He said converting the former restaurant would “be an asset to bring it over to tourism,” adding: “We don’t all want to stay in Tenby or the Ty Hotel in Milford Haven.”

While Cllr Nick Neuman felt the nutrients issue could be overcome, Cllr Michael Williams warned the application was “clearly outside policy,” recommending it be refused.

A counter-proposal, by Cllr Tony Wilcox, called for a site visit before any decision was made, the application returning to a future committee; members voting seven to three in favour of that.

Business

Welsh Govt shifts stance on business rates after pressure from S4C and Herald

Published

22 hours ago

December 3, 2025

Sarah-Jane Absalom

Ministers release unexpected statement 48 hours after widespread concern highlighted in Welsh media

THE WELSH GOVERNMENT has announced a new package of tapered business rates relief for 2026-27, in a move that follows sustained pressure from Welsh media — including S4C Newyddion and The Pembrokeshire Herald — over the impact of revaluation on small businesses.

In Milford Haven, the hard-pressed pub sector is already feeling the impact: the annual bill for The Lord Kitchener is rising from £5,000 to £15,000, while rates at the Kimberley Public House have nearly doubled from £10,500 to £19,500. The Imperial Hall’s rates are increasing from £5,800 to £9,200, prompting director Lee Bridges to question why businesses “are being asked to pay more when we use less services”. In Haverfordwest, the annual rates bill for Eddie’s Nightclub is increasing from £57,000 to £61,500.

A written statement, issued suddenly on Wednesday afternoon, confirms that ministers will introduce a transitional “tapering mechanism” to soften steep increases for tourism, hospitality and small independent operators. Full details will be published with the draft Budget later this month.

The announcement comes less than two days after The Herald’s in-depth reporting brought forward direct concerns from Pembrokeshire business owners and councillors, highlighting the uncertainty facing one of Wales’ most important local industries.

Herald reporting credited by senior councillor

Pembrokeshire County Council Independent Group Leader Cllr Huw Carnhuan Murphy publicly thanked The Herald for pushing the issue into the spotlight.

In a statement shared on Wednesday, Cllr Murphy said: “Welcome news from Welsh Government. Thanks to Tom Sinclair for running this important item in the Herald in relation to the revaluation of businesses and the consequences it will have for many.

He added: “Newyddion S4C hefyd am redeg y stori pwysig yma ynghylch trethi busnes.,” which in English is “and thanks to S4C Newyddion as well for running this important story about business taxes.”

He added that the Independent Group “will always campaign to support our tourism and agriculture industry, on which so many residents rely within Pembrokeshire”.

Media spotlight increased pressure on Cardiff Bay

On Monday, ministers said business rates plans would be outlined “within the next two weeks”.
By Wednesday afternoon — following prominent coverage on S4C and continued pressure from The Herald — Welsh Government released an early written statement outlining new support.

Industry sources told The Herald they believed the level of public concern, amplified by the media, “forced the issue up the agenda much faster than expected”.

A cautious welcome for ‘better than nothing’

Cllr Murphy welcomed the partial support, though he stressed it fell short of what many businesses had hoped for.

“This isn’t the level of support many were hoping for,” he said, “but it is certainly much better than nothing.”

Draft Budget expected soon

The full tapered support scheme will be detailed in the Welsh Government draft Budget, expected within a fortnight.

Tourism and hospitality representatives have reserved final judgment until the figures are published, but many have expressed relief that some support will continue, following weeks of uncertainty.