What steps has the Minister taken to explore the possibility of introducing floating offshore wind farms in Wales?
Welsh Government is exploring a wide variety of low carbon power generation options for Wales. We are actively engaging with a variety of developers who are investigating opportunities to deploy floating offshore wind projects around the Welsh coastline.
Supporting this, we are working closely with the Crown Estate and UK Government, both to develop the evidence base needed to underpin decisions on future applications and to work through concerns in relation to seabed leasing opportunities in Wales, which may be creating a barrier for the industry to develop stepping stone projects.
In addition, we have commissioned the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult to carry out an assessment on grid and ports infrastructure requirements to support this industry, and have also introduced the Welsh National Marine Plan and supporting Implementation Guidance. The Plan will guide decisions taken by public authorities on proposals for new developments and is supported by an online marine planning portal.