Industry gears up for MEW2025 as policy, innovation and investment align

WALES is rapidly becoming a powerhouse in marine renewable energy, with the sector seeing a surge in momentum ahead of the UK’s largest dedicated marine energy conference, MEW2025, set to take place in Cardiff this May.

The two-day event at the All Nations Centre (May 7–8) will bring together over 400 delegates, including developers, investors, policymakers and innovators, all working to harness the power of tides, waves, and floating offshore wind.

Marine Energy Wales (MEW), the organisation behind the event, has confirmed a packed programme of speakers and panels. The First Minister of Wales, Eluned Morgan MS, will deliver a keynote address on Day One, signalling the Welsh Government’s commitment to driving forward the green energy transition.

Tidal power potential recognised

The Severn Estuary Commission has this month published final recommendations backing the feasibility of tidal range energy in the Severn. The report calls for immediate government support to develop the industry, establish a commercial demonstration project, and unlock private investment through a clear financial framework.

The report recommends a public sector-led Project Delivery Vehicle and improved regional management to ensure environmental and commercial viability.

Floating wind and tidal tech on the rise

MEW2025’s programme will explore the cutting edge of floating offshore wind, as well as new technologies in tidal stream energy. Sessions such as Turning the Tide: Scaling Tidal Energy in Wales Today and Floating Stepping Stones: Doing it for the Region will offer insights into commercialisation and scaling of Welsh marine renewables.

Research and development also remains central. Projects such as META (Marine Energy Test Area) in Pembrokeshire continue to break ground, with sessions at the conference reflecting key R&D milestones and practical deployments.

Empowering communities

A new Marine Energy Engagement Toolkit was launched at the Senedd on March 18, spearheaded by Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum and supported by MSs including Sam Kurtz and Joyce Watson. The toolkit aims to empower communities across Pembrokeshire and beyond, ensuring that residents can meaningfully engage with the changes and opportunities brought by marine renewables.

By providing accessible information and creating space for dialogue, the initiative hopes to bridge the gap between developers and the communities they affect.

Investment on the horizon

The Crown Estate Act 2025, which recently received Royal Assent, grants new powers to borrow and invest up to £1.5 billion over 15 years. This could be a game-changer for marine energy in Wales, enabling strategic investment in technology, infrastructure and supply chains.

With additional commissioners joining The Crown Estate Board, the focus will be on delivering environmental, social, and financial value – a shift welcomed by the sector.

Opportunities for Welsh industry

The Empower Cymru conference this month saw Net Zero Industry Wales outline its vision for a Welsh chapter of the UK Industrial Strategy. The plan positions Wales as a cornerstone of the UK’s clean energy future, citing a strong pipeline of value-for-money projects ready to deliver.

Meanwhile, Morlais, the tidal stream energy project off Anglesey, has been shortlisted for a prestigious Green Energy Award in the Net Zero Developer category – another sign of the sector’s growing national significance.

Final call for exhibitors and sponsors

With limited space remaining, MEW2025 organisers are urging businesses and organisations to secure their place. Exhibition packages include full branding opportunities, event passes and speaking slots for major sponsors. Artwork must be submitted by April 17.

Tickets are also still available for those looking to attend and connect with the growing network shaping the future of marine energy in Wales and across the UK.

MUSIC lovers can enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment at Ysgol Greenhill in Tenby next week, featuring talent straight from the West End.

The Denmark Street Big Band will headline the evening on Friday April 4.

The musical extravaganza also marks the launch of the Ysgol Greenhill Theatre to further promote and support the arts at the school and showcase the talents of young people.

The Denmark Street Big Band are a throwback to when exciting big bands electrified audiences and recreates the swinging sounds made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin among many others.

Having performed regularly on the London music circuit, the Denmark Street Band brings its show to Greenhill and will take to the stage with local favourites Tenby Male Voice Choir as part of the Choir’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

A special West End guest will also join the Choir to perform.

The event is also an opportunity to showcase incredible school talent and provide an opportunity for pupils to play alongside professional performers.

A further highlight will be a sneak preview of the return this summer of a major school production, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

This will be the first school production in six years and preparations are in full swing.

The event takes place at Ysgol Greenhill on Friday April 4 from 7pm. Ticket prices are £18 for adults and £16 for concessions.

For tickets, see https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ and search Ysgol Greenhill or contact the school on 01834 840100.

Temporary disruption to services between 8th–28th May

PEMBROKESHIRE Libraries will be upgrading to a new library management system this spring. The switch will affect services between Wednesday, 8th May and Tuesday, 28th May, with temporary disruption to the systems that manage library membership, customer accounts, book loans, item details, and access to digital services.

During this time, the current system will be replaced by a temporary platform provided by the new supplier. While core borrowing services will continue, other services such as:

• Book reservations and requests
• Access to the online catalogue
• Use of self-service machines

…will be unavailable until the transition is complete.

Normal service is expected to resume from Wednesday, 28th May, as libraries begin using the new system.

A new all-Wales library system

Pembrokeshire Libraries has joined the all-Wales Public Library Service consortium, supported by grant funding from the Welsh Government. The change in supplier will not only improve the quality of service for customers but also reduce costs.

Benefits of the new system include:

• A more user-friendly online catalogue
• Better account management tools
• Easier access to e-books, audiobooks, and digital resources
• A new events calendar for library users

There are no plans to close any libraries, including the Mobile Library and Library at Home service, during the transition. However, unstaffed access (Open Plus) at Narberth and Neyland libraries will be unavailable until the upgrade is complete.

You can still borrow books during the changeover, but you must bring your library card, as staff will be unable to access your details manually.

Loan extensions and overdue charges

• Loan due dates between 8th May and 14th June will automatically be extended to Monday, 16th June (or your next library open day).
• No overdue fines will be charged during this period.
• Any existing fines or charges will be carried over to the new system.
• Up to two years of your loan history will be transferred. If you wish to download your full loan history, you must do so by Tuesday, 7th May, via the library webpage:
  www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/libraries-and-culture

Statement from the Council

Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “There will be some disruption to library services as we switch over to the new management system. As our library staff learn new skills, there may also be temporary issues with e-resources, so we kindly ask for your patience.

If customers remember to bring their library card, they can still borrow books as normal. From Wednesday, 28th May, we’ll start using the new and improved system.”

Key dates to remember

• Tuesday, 9th April
  Last day to place reservations, stock requests, or inter-library loan requests (including Reading Groups).
• Tuesday, 7th May
  Last day to use self-service machines and Open Plus unstaffed access.
  Final day for courtesy and overdue notices to be sent.
• 8th May – 14th June
  No items will be due back during this period. All loans will be extended to Monday, 16th June (or next working day).
• Wednesday, 28th May
  Expected start of new system roll-out (depending on each library’s opening days).