The Welsh Government has launched a comprehensive action plan to harness the potential of offshore wind, aiming to drive investment, create jobs, and establish Wales as a renewable energy leader. Unveiled during Wind Week, the plan builds on Wales’ existing strengths in offshore wind, including hosting the UK’s first fixed offshore wind developments and boasting a pipeline of over 15 GW of projects across Welsh, English, and Irish waters.
The sector presents a significant economic opportunity, with a potential £4.8 billion for Welsh businesses and over 3,000 high-quality jobs. The plan, developed by a task and finish group comprising developers, ports, manufacturing, and skills experts, outlines key steps to capitalize on this opportunity. These include establishing a new stakeholder forum by autumn 2025, streamlining planning processes, and enhancing local supply chain and skills development.
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, emphasized the transformative potential of offshore wind, stating, “Last week, we welcomed the announcement that offshore wind in the Celtic Sea was moving from planning into development and delivery… This truly is a once in a generation opportunity for our ports and will be a catalyst for economic regeneration in our coastal communities.”
The UK Government’s recent commitment of up to £80 million to support infrastructure at Port Talbot, a key site for offshore wind supply chains, underscores the national significance of this initiative. Ajai Ahluwalia, Head of Supply Chain at RenewableUK, highlighted the industrial potential, noting, “Offshore wind is one of the UK’s greatest industrial opportunities — with the potential to transform Wales’ heartland sectors, like steel and advanced manufacturing… To unlock that value, we must now move swiftly from planning to implementation — and industry stands ready to work with government to make it happen.”
The plan also stresses the need for greater coordination between education and industry to develop the workforce required for Wales’ offshore wind future. This coordinated approach could set a precedent for other regions, demonstrating how targeted policies and stakeholder collaboration can drive the renewable energy transition.
The Welsh Government’s action plan is a strategic response to the growing demand for clean energy and the need for economic diversification. By focusing on offshore wind, Wales is positioning itself to benefit from the global shift towards renewable energy, while also addressing local economic and employment challenges. The success of this plan could influence similar initiatives in other regions, shaping the future of the offshore wind sector in the UK and beyond.