2. Will the Cabinet Secretary outline the Welsh Government's plans to harness tidal power in North Wales? OAQ52315

World-leading work is being undertaken in the north Wales marine demonstration zone. Marine energy could play an important role in delivering a low-carbon economy for Wales, with the creation of long-term jobs and exportable technologies. This is why we continue to support the north Wales demonstration zone.

Thank you, Cabinet Secretary. Last week, the First Minister offered £200 million to enhance the prospects of the Swansea tidal bay lagoon. As usual, the whole focus has been on south Wales when the north Wales coast is ripe for consideration for this type of project. I'm sure that even a small percentage of that £200 million would really help to kick-start the concept being worked up by North Wales Tidal Energy. What support does your Government intend to give to get this project off the ground? North Wales stands to be the pathfinder project. It is now time to look north. 

I've had only one meeting with the company that are bringing forward tidal lagoon proposals for Wales, but, certainly, they were looking and considering one in north Wales. I mentioned that we are supporting the demonstration zone, which I think is very important, and we have multiple developers looking at what opportunities are there. I'm very proud that Wales has two of the largest zones for demonstrating wave and tidal stream arrays, and, clearly, we'd be very happy to look at all types of marine energy that's coming forward. I visited Morlais up in Anglesey, I think in February, this year. So, I am continuing, and my officials are, to have discussions with interested parties.

I've just come from a meeting of the cross-party group on sustainable energy, which I chair, and which is highly recommended to all Members, I'm sure you'd agree, Cabinet Secretary. But, amongst the presentations that we had was one about the work of the National Research Network for Low Carbon Energy and Environment, which is funded by the Welsh Government. Amongst a number of research clusters that this network has established is one particularly on marine energy, which clearly contributes importantly to innovation and research in this area. Now, funding for the network is coming to an end in December; there is no succession plan, from what I understand. The network has built up a great momentum—it has attracted renowned researchers from across the world, who are now leaving because they don't see a future for that particular network. So, given the importance of the work that they do in this particular sector, which is particularly promising for us here in Wales, what discussions are you having with Government colleagues to see what the Government can do to ensure that this Welsh Government-funded network continues with this work?

I have started having very early discussions and, hopefully, by December we'll be able to see how we can assist, because I think it's very important that we retain this knowledge. I'm a big fan of cluster policies, and I think we are seeing that happening in this area. But I'm sure you wouldn't expect me to announce a decision today, but it is work under way.

In addition to the north Wales tidal energy proposal for the lagoon, which you referred to, you also briefly referred to proposals off Anglesey. When the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee met Anglesey enterprise zone earlier this year, we had given to us a presentation on the proposals for deep green technology to produce electricity off the coast of Anglesey. You mentioned, I think, a visit in February. What consideration are you and your officials giving to the report they've produced, which shows the clear benefits that this might bring not only to clean energy generation, but also to the economy of Anglesey?

As you say, I did refer to the meeting I had with Morlais back in February. They gave me an update on the developments taking place and the work they are carrying out in relation to consenting. But I'm obviously unable to discuss particular aspects of the Morlais tidal array scheme because it could prejudice my consideration of the proposed transport and works order application, if and when it's made.