WRITTEN BY:
Jetske Germing
Managing Director
Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum
Wales is poised to become a global leader in marine energy, harnessing its powerful coastal waters through floating offshore wind and tidal stream technologies. But while innovation fuels progress, genuine community engagement is what ensures success. At Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF), we believe that the most impactful projects are those co-created with the people they affect.
Over the last 25 years, we’ve witnessed firsthand how projects grounded in collaboration, openness, and mutual respect thrive where others falter. Marine renewable energy is no different, it requires not just technological excellence, but community support at every step. A newly launched Marine Energy Communications Toolkit, co-developed by PCF, reflects this ethos. Designed to demystify marine renewable energy, the toolkit empowers community groups, local authorities, and developers with plain language resources and trusted visuals to enable informed conversations. It’s about equipping everyone with the knowledge they need to confidently take part in shaping their local energy future.
This approach responds directly to concerns we hear across coastal Wales. Communities consistently express support for renewable energy, yet emphasise the importance of being involved from the outset, not treated as an afterthought.
This sentiment echoes through our work. Early dialogue with fishers, tourism providers, and young people, like the students from Ysgol Harri Tudur and Milford Haven School who participated in PCF’s Marine Energy Test area education programme—has proven the value of engaging diverse voices. These students tackled real-world marine science challenges, connecting classroom learning with industry perspectives and environmental stewardship. Their ideas weren’t just educational exercises, they became part of the broader discussion on marine energy’s role in their communities.
Meaningful engagement isn’t a one-off consultation or a polished leaflet. It’s about sustained relationships and visible impact. When communities see their input reflected in outcomes, trust grows, and with trust, support follows. Inclusive projects are more adaptive, resilient, and embraced by the people they serve.
That’s why PCF continues to innovate, not just with technology, but with participation. From piloting hybrid engagement models that combine digital tools with in-person dialogue, to fostering youth involvement through hands-on science initiatives, we’re creating new ways for people to connect with marine energy developments.
Our coastline holds vast potential for clean power, but also for a deeper kind of empowerment. When local communities are equipped, informed, and included, marine energy becomes more than an industry—it becomes a shared vision for a just, sustainable future.
Because while the tides may be predictable, our progress depends on how well we listen.
