3rd MARINEWIND Co-creation workshop in UK

🌟Marine Energy Wales, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, the Welsh government and Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult with the support of the University of York and the collaboration of the Milford Haven Port Authority have hosted the Third MARINEWIND Co-creation Workshop 🌟

📅 On May 30th, we gathered for a productive day at the 3rd UK MarineWind Co-Creation Workshop. The event kicked off at 8:30 am with a visit to the Pembrokeshire docks (Milford Haven Port).

🚢 Visit to Pembrokeshire Dock (Milford Haven Port) Highlights:

1. Objectives of the Visit: Understand current plans, connect with ongoing projects, and discuss potential issues.
2. Current and Future Plans: Discussed both immediate and long-term plans for the dock, including ongoing projects and future developments dependent on funding.
3. Financial Constraints: Highlighted the lack of current funding for some planned projects and the need for financial backing for future initiatives.
4. Unique Features: The Milford Haven port’s deep natural harbour is ideal for Floating Offshore Wind Farms activities.
5. Industry Transition: Plans to transition towards renewable energy, specifically floating offshore wind, with new slipways and industrial pontoons being prepared.
6. Challenges and Barriers: Funding challenges, developer uncertainty, and competition from other ports such as Port Talbot and international locations.
7. Collaboration with Developers: Emphasised close collaboration with developers and agents to meet needs, despite challenges in obtaining Contracts for Difference (CFDs).
8. Community and Economic Impact: Aimed to support local regeneration, provide jobs, and reduce reliance on oil and gas, with a focus on tourism.
9. STEM Initiatives: Encouraging women in STEM through projects linking local schools and colleges to the industry.
10. Infrastructure and Future Development: Shared plans for new berths, improved access, potential hydrogen projects, and additional facilities for Brexit-related checks.

🎤 Following the organised tour, a very productive and interesting Workshop took place where speakers discussed the following:

1. Creating a Haven for Marine Energy: META (Marine Energy Testing Area)
2. MarineWind – Barriers and Enablers to Deployment of FOWT
3. Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (PCF) – Offshore Renewable Energy Development in Wales: Challenges and Opportunities – MEW Impact Report 2023-24
4. Welsh Government – Maximising Renewable Energy Benefits and Sustainable Development in Wales: Challenges and Strategies
5. Engaging Communities and Stakeholders in Marine Energy Development in Pembrokeshire: Challenges and Opportunities

Local high school students participated actively in the workshop to learn about these technologies and to have specific information about possible career opportunities in this field.

🗨️💡The day was filled with engaging discussions and insightful presentations from:

• Marine Energy Wales (https://www.marineenergywales.co.uk/)
• META (https://www.meta.wales/)
• Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum (https://www.pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk/ and https://www.pembrokeshirecoastalforum.org.uk/marine-energy-engagement-plan/)
• Welsh Government (https://www.gov.wales/)
• Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult (https://ore.catapult.org.uk/)
• The Grŵp Cynefin society (GRWP) (https://www.grwpcynefin.org/en/)
• University of York, MARINEWIND Scientific Coordinator (https://www.marinewindproject.eu/)

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all organisers and participants for making this event a success. 🙌