Marine Energy Wales is delighted to announce that it has received funding from the Coastal Communities Fund for their Marine Energy Test Area (META) project.

The project aims to create pre-consented testing areas in the Milford Haven Waterway for technology developers to deploy non-grid connected devices, test components and deployment techniques, as well as providing the opportunity for research.

Marine Energy Wales works at the forefront of the industry, attracting marine energy developers to Wales and supporting the growth of the sector. META is set to add to Wales’ offering, alongside the €100.4 million of EU funding, significant wave and tidal resource and array scale Demonstration Zones. META will provide increased opportunities for the upskilling and diversification of local supply chain, and will contribute to the de-risking of project developments.

Marine Energy Wales is an initiative developed and managed by Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, a Community Interest Company that works to protect and enhance the coastal and marine environment for current and future generations.

Louise Rigby Williams, Project Manager of Marine Energy Wales said;

“We are delighted that this funding will allow us to continue to play a key role in Wales’ ambitions to become a global leader in marine energy. META will provide yet another incentive for developers to bring their projects to Wales and will support our peripheral economies by creating jobs, encouraging innovation, and the clustering and diversification of our local supply chain.”

META is one pillar of Pembroke Dock Marine, a £76 million project signed off as part of the Swansea Bay City Deal in March which aims to develop a world class centre for marine energy development. This Coastal Communities Funding will be used to create one new full time job with Marine Energy Wales and 80 indirect jobs, as well as safeguarding four existing jobs.

Tim James, Director of Energy Development at the Port of Milford Haven said:

“Technology developers and marine operations specialists are already basing themselves in the region to take advantage of the extensive skill base, port facilities, proximity to grid and natural resource. The creation of a pre-consented area within the Waterway will further strengthen Pembroke Dock’s global proposition in this innovative sector.”

Marine Energy Wales are currently awaiting additional funding which will complete the financing of the project. The next steps will include local stakeholder engagement to assist in identifying the areas and the necessary leasing and licencing.