GUEST COLUMN:
Tam Bardell
Head of Energy and Decarbonisation
Port of Milford Haven
Pembroke Port is positioning itself as a cornerstone for the renewables sector, anchoring the supply chain that will power the Celtic Sea’s emerging offshore wind industry and beyond.
We’re already on the journey, thanks to a substantial £60 million investment under the Pembroke Dock Marine Project; funded by the Swansea Bay City Deal, the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh and UK Governments and through private investment, which has accelerated our progress in infrastructure development and industry readiness.
Pembroke Port is now home to a suite of strategic resources – a new 68 metre-wide slipway, marine energy test areas, and the Pembrokeshire Demonstration Zone, plus expanded berthing, offices and workshop spaces. These initiatives are more than facilities; they represent our commitment to supporting renewable energy and creating a launchpad for innovative engineering and marine solutions.
The potential for renewable energy here, particularly in offshore wind, is immense. Floating offshore wind projects are especially crucial in the Celtic Sea, where deep waters require turbines that float, rather than stand on fixed-bottom foundations. These floating turbines are not only complex but also incredibly demanding in terms of port and marine infrastructure. Industry leaders have consistently told us they need extended quays, spacious laydown areas and deep-water access – precisely the assets Pembroke Port is developing. The demands of modern renewable energy infrastructure are substantial, requiring larger, well-equipped spaces to ensure effective and efficient operations.
Our strategic location – a deep-water location in a sheltered South West Wales location – is another key advantage. Pembroke Port offers not just physical space but also a protected harbour, which is critical for large-scale offshore renewables projects. Over the past recent years, we have welcomed numerous industry leaders and innovators to the port, facilitating discussions about the renewable sector’s needs now and into the future. We’re hearing first-hand what’s needed to support the growing renewable supply chain and are focused on optimising Pembroke Port’s facilities to support these emerging industries.
The Celtic Freeport initiative encapsulates our ambitions. The pillars of this effort are offshore wind and hydrogen – two transformative opportunities that the region is primed to embrace. Our goal is to capture as much economic value as possible, bringing business opportunities and innovation to Wales. Working together through the Freeport, we’re crafting a strategic, collaborative approach to harness the power of renewable energy, ensuring it becomes a sustainable, long-term economic driver for the UK.
Pembroke Port is well-positioned to serve as a base for this growing industry. Through continued investment, strategic infrastructure development and collaboration, we’re building a future where renewable energy thrives, benefiting both the UK’s and the global energy transition. Together, we are powering a cleaner, greener future and capturing the full potential of Wales’ renewable resources.
