Wales was once at the forefront of the industrial revolution – and I believe it has an opportunity to become a global hub for the green industrial revolution.
The Celtic Freeport is at the heart of this transformation, bringing together industry, government and academia to drive forward renewable energy, industrial decarbonisation, and advanced manufacturing. By working in partnership, we can unlock new investment, create high-skilled jobs, and ensure Wales leads the way in sustainable economic growth.
The Freeport is a public-private collaboration that includes two councils, two ports, energy providers, manufacturers, and fabricators. With backing from the UK and Welsh Governments it provides tax and financial incentives to attract companies looking to set up, operate, and grow in the region. This is about creating the right conditions for businesses to thrive in the industries of the future.
From our perspective, the path to green energy must be a matrix approach. No single technology will provide all the answers. Instead, there will be an energy transition, with existing technologies still playing a role while new ones arise and grow. New technologies will involve a combination of floating offshore wind, green hydrogen, marine energy, carbon capture, and industrial innovation will form the backbone of the transition. These sectors must work together to ensure a smooth and sustainable shift towards net zero.
Floating offshore wind is a major priority for the Freeport. We are working closely with UK Government to secure a first-mover advantage in the Celtic Sea. Our ports already have expertise in energy, heavy industry and advanced manufacturing, making them well-placed to support the supply chain for this emerging sector. A recently launched offshore wind task and finish group within Welsh Government is focusing on how we develop that supply chain and ensure Wales captures as much economic value as possible.
We are also working with investors such as RWE and Haush to develop green hydrogen corridors. Planning permission is already in place, and construction has begun on some of the UK’s largest green hydrogen production facilities. The potential here is significant. There is strong interest from investors looking to source ready-made green hydrogen, and we are in a strong position to provide it.
Carbon capture is another major area of opportunity. As the technology develops, it has the potential to support the production of sustainable aviation fuel and other low-carbon products. By integrating carbon capture with existing and new energy infrastructure, we can create a fully connected system that drives investment and innovation.
Partnerships with universities are also central to our approach. Innovation is key to making these industries viable at scale, and early-stage risk-taking is often required. We are working to connect businesses with academic expertise, helping to de-risk projects and drive forward new solutions. At the same time, we are ensuring that the workforce is prepared. Skills in the green energy sector are often underestimated, but they will be vital to making this transition a success.
For investors looking at the Celtic Freeport, our strength lies in our ability to act quickly. Wales is big enough to make a difference but small enough to make it happen. We have a strong relationship with Welsh Government, a first-mover advantage in the Celtic Sea, world-class port infrastructure, a competitive cost base, and an experienced workforce ready to deliver. These factors combine to make the Freeport one of the most compelling locations for green industrial investment.
The transition to a green economy is not a distant goal – it is happening now. The Freeport is already delivering major projects, breaking ground on new facilities, and attracting interest from global investors. Our job is to continue enabling this growth, ensuring that the benefits are felt across Wales and beyond.
