Business

‘Team Wales’ approach needed to deliver green energy transformation

Published

2 years ago

November 15, 2023

A “TEAM WALES” approach is needed to deliver the renewable energy advances promised by the Celtic Freeport, according to Tom Sawyer, CEO of Port of Milford Haven and Celtic Freeport executive member.

The Celtic Freeport, due to be formally designated by the Welsh and UK Governments in spring/summer 2024, will build on the strengths of two of the UK’s leading ports, Milford Haven and Port Talbot, to create a green investment corridor. This will enable Wales to capitalise on renewable energy technologies and to position itself as a leader in the field.

Sawyer is one of four speakers lined up to discuss renewable energy in the South West Wales region at the inaugural Green Economy Conference, which takes place in Swansea Arena on Tuesday November 22.

The discussion, chaired by Abigail Beck, communications manager for RenewableUK Cymru, will also feature Arwyn Williams, Head of Faculty Engineering, Computing and Strategic lead for Higher Education, Pembrokeshire College; Joseph Kidd, co-founder of renewable energy developer Hiraeth Energy and a partner in sustainability consultancy Afallen; and Andrew Harston, strategic adviser, Wales & Short Sea Ports, ABP and Celtic Freeport executive member.

A key topic of discussion will be the rollout of floating offshore wind, which is one of the key commitments of the Celtic Freeport, along with supporting 16,000 green jobs.

“We need to adopt a Team Wales approach to get this over the line,” said Sawyer. “The conference will provide a focal point for supply chain businesses, education providers, energy developers and politicians to coordinate efforts to accelerate our readiness for the floating offshore wind opportunity around the corner.”

Harston added: “This is Wales’ opportunity to create a new green industry. Floating offshore wind will play a central role in our green future and is essential to ensure we hit net zero targets. The opportunity from floating offshore wind is huge for new port infrastructure, factories and jobs.”

Williams will also be discussing offshore floating wind power, along with hydrogen developments, plus how the existing hydrocarbon sector views the energy transition.

“There are so many exciting and new opportunities emerging in the region, it is critical that these opportunities can be fully realised by the local communities,” he said. “This conference is an ideal platform for raising awareness and discussing the key topics. I am delighted to be given the opportunity to be involved and hope to further strengthen the region’s position in leading on the skills development in these areas.”

Kidd’s sustainability consultancy Afallen is working with Swansea Council on several decarbonisation initiatives and is at the forefront of delivering the Local Area Energy Plan for net zero across Wales. Kidd will be giving Afallen’s perspective in the panel discussion. He will also comment from the perspective of Hiraeth Energy, which is focussed on offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea.

“I will be talking about how the Celtic Sea developments have the potential to deliver significant benefits to Wales if the right foundations are put in place,” he said.

“The Green Economy Conference and Exhibition matters because it helps highlight a lot of the positive work being undertaken in the region. But perhaps more importantly it helps put a spotlight on the challenge that still faces us in getting to net zero, and ultimately trying to limit climate change.”

The Green Economy Conference and Exhibition is free to attend, with tickets available online now. It aims to unite businesses, indivisuals and organisations from Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, Swansea and Neath Port Talbot to share knowledge and create initiatives for a resilient future.

The conference is run by 4theRegion, a membership alliance working to bring about positive change in the region. It builds on the success of the annual Swansea Conference and Exhibition, which took place in March this year, and Swansea’s Green Recovery Conference, which was held by 4theRegion in June 2022.

Zoe Antrobus, managing director of 4theRegion, said: “We’re delighted to be hosting this important panel discussion on renewable energy in our region. It will highlight the important work that is already underway in the sector, the challenges faced by those working to effect change, and how to overcome these. Our panellists will also discuss the exciting opportunities that are on the horizon.

“Above all, the message is that when all the stakeholders pull together, transformation to a green economy is possible – and South West Wales can lead the way. The Green Economy Conference and Exhibition will help to make that happen. If you are a member of the public who wants to get involved, a business that wants to cut its carbon footprint, or an organisation working to make a greener South West Wales, this event is for you.”

More information about the conference and booking links can be found here: https://www.4theregion.org.uk/green-economy-conference/

Business

First wind turbine components arrive as LNG project moves ahead

Published

8 hours ago

December 4, 2025

Tom Sinclair

THE FIRST ship carrying major components for Dragon LNG’s new onshore wind turbines docked at Pembroke Port last week, marking the start of physical deliveries for the multi-million-pound renewable energy project.

The Maltese-registered general cargo vessel Peak Bergen berthed at Pembroke Dock on Wednesday 26^th November, bringing tower sections and other heavy components for the three Enercon turbines that will eventually stand on land adjacent to the existing gas terminal at Waterston.

A second vessel, the Irish-flagged Wilson Flex IV, has arrived in Pembroke Port today (Thursday) carrying the giant rotor blades.

The deliveries follow a successful trial convoy on 25 November, when police-escorted low-loader trailers carried dummy loads along the planned route from the port through Pembroke, past Waterloo roundabout and up the A477 to the Dragon LNG site.

Dragon LNG’s Community and Social Performance Officer, Lynette Round, confirmed the latest movements in emails to the Herald.

“The Peak Bergen arrived last week with the first components,” she said. “We are expecting another delivery tomorrow (Thursday) onboard the Wilson Flex IV. This will be blades and is currently showing an ETA of approximately 03:30.”

The £14.3 million project, approved by Welsh Ministers last year, will see three turbines with a combined capacity of up to 13.5 MW erected on company-owned land next to the LNG terminal. Once operational – expected in late 2026 – they will generate enough electricity to power the entire site, significantly reducing its carbon footprint.

The Weather conditions were favourable for the arrival of the Wilson Flex IV, which was tracking south of the Smalls at midnight.

The abnormal-load convoys carrying the components from the port to Waterston are expected to begin early next year, subject to final police and highway approvals.

A community benefit fund linked to the project will provide for residents in nearby Waterston, Llanstadwell and Neyland.

Further updates will be issued by Dragon LNG as the Port of Milford Haven as the delivery programme continues.

Photo: Martin Cavaney

Business

Cardiff Airport announces special Air France flights for Six Nations

Published

12 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

19 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.