A new strategic partnership between Welsh engineering alliance Celtico and renewable energy developer CIERCO aims to strengthen the Welsh supply chain and maximise the economic benefits created by pioneering offshore wind technologies in the Celtic Sea.
The partnership brings together CIERCO, the developer behind the pioneering Llŷr Wind Farms, with Celtico, the alliance of Welsh engineering and manufacturing companies established to provide a single point of engagement for major renewable energy and infrastructure projects.
Together, the organisations will work to strengthen collaboration between developers, industry, ports, government and the wider supply chain, helping to ensure Welsh businesses are well positioned to benefit from one of the UK’s most significant emerging renewable energy sectors.
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for the Llŷr Wind Farms project, which recently achieved a major regulatory milestone following the granting of a Marine Licence by Natural Resources Wales, together with the completion of the Environmental Impact Assessment process.
The project is now awaiting Section 36 Consent from the Welsh Government under the Electricity Act 1989. Securing this consent would enable the project to participate in the forthcoming Contracts for Difference (CfD) Allocation Round 8, which is due to open on 20 July.
As one of the UK’s first demonstration-scale new technology offshore wind projects, Llŷr is expected to play an important role in showcasing Wales’s capability in pioneering offshore wind technologies while helping to develop the skills, expertise and supply chains needed to support future commercial projects across the Celtic Sea.
For Celtico, the project represents more than a renewable energy development. It is an opportunity to demonstrate how Welsh engineering and manufacturing businesses can play a leading role in delivering the energy transition while creating skilled employment, attracting investment and retaining greater economic value within Wales.
Andrew Beer, Chair of Celtico, said:
“Our relationship with CIERCO is built on a shared ambition to ensure Wales captures the maximum possible benefit from the transition to floating offshore wind.
“Welsh businesses have the expertise, experience and capability to make a significant contribution to projects such as Llŷr, but they also need confidence that projects will progress and investment will be realised.
“The granting of the Marine Licence is a hugely positive milestone and demonstrates the progress that has already been made. We now hope to see the remaining Section 36 Consent granted in time to enable the project to participate in Allocation Round 8.
“Strong and timely decision-making will send an important signal to investors, developers and the wider supply chain that Wales is serious about becoming a leader in floating offshore wind. That confidence is essential if businesses are to invest in skills, facilities and long-term capability that will support future projects and create lasting economic benefits for communities across Wales.”
Scott Harper, Managing Director of CIERCO, said:
“We are delighted to be working alongside Celtico to strengthen engagement with the Welsh engineering community and help maximise the opportunities that pioneering offshore wind technologies can bring to Wales.
“The Llŷr Wind Farms have always been about more than generating renewable energy. As pioneering test and demonstration projects, they have the potential to showcase innovative offshore wind technologies while helping to develop local capability, strengthen regional supply chains and build confidence for future investment.
“The recent Marine Licence represents a significant milestone, and we look forward to continuing to work with Welsh Government, industry and our partners as the project progresses through the remaining stages of the consenting process.”
Since its launch earlier this year, Celtico has continued to build relationships across government, industry and the renewable energy sector, championing Welsh engineering and manufacturing businesses and promoting collaboration across the supply chain.
Celtico is supported by the Swansea Bay City Deal Skills & Talent Programme, funded by the UK Government and Welsh Government, and works in partnership with the Regional Learning and Skills Partnership to align skills development with industry demand.
The alliance believes that early engagement between developers and local businesses is critical if Wales is to maximise the economic opportunities presented by floating offshore wind, hydrogen, industrial decarbonisation and other major infrastructure projects.
Through its strategic partnership with CIERCO, Celtico will continue to support collaboration that helps Welsh businesses prepare for future opportunities while ensuring the benefits of the energy transition are felt across communities throughout Wales.
