8. Will the Minister provide an update on energy projects in Ynys Môn? OQ55697

Ynys Mȏn is leading the way in innovation for flexible and smart electricity networks. It is a hub for tidal stream development and, together with opportunities in offshore and floating wind, nuclear and hydrogen, Ynys Môn has the potential to be a global leader in established and innovative energy technologies. 

Thank you. I have no doubt about the potential of Môn in the low-carbon field. The Morlais scheme is very exciting, and I'm looking forward to that receiving permission very soon. We need to drive the Minesto project ahead. The expertise to support these projects is available within Bangor University in Menai Bridge. We have the ability to develop innovation in M-SParc. There are possibilities in terms of hydrogen development in Môn, and I encourage the Government to invest in those. But there is very great potential, as the Minister mentioned, with regard to the next developments with regard to marine wind—offshore wind and particularly in terms of floating turbines. But to derive the most benefit possible, we need to ensure that Holyhead becomes a hub to service those on the land. Now, the British Government's record on energy projects in Wales isn't great—I'm thinking about Wylfa and the Swansea bay tidal lagoon—but we heard the announcement from the UK Prime Minister on investing in ports for wind energy, so will the Minister give a commitment that the Welsh Government will do all it can to maximise the potential for Môn and Holyhead in this area? 

Yes, absolutely, I'll give that commitment and, certainly, as part of the offshore wind sector deal, we're working with industry and partners to capture the economic benefits from investments in new projects. The Member might be aware that Welsh Government is a member of the offshore energy alliance, which is a north Wales-north-west England group of industry players and stakeholders. That was set up to look at regional benefits. We've also been working with the Crown Estate, who have identified north Wales's waters as one of four priority locations in relation to this. I attended a marine renewable energy conference in Dublin last year, where I spoke with several floating wind developers who are very interested, obviously, in the area off Anglesey, which, as you say, has been identified as a possible location for floating offshore wind demonstration projects of less than 100 MW under the current Crown Estate guidelines. So, absolutely, encouraging developers and organisations to provide an expression of interest to the latest Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy call, following the Prime Minister's announcement of a £160 million upgrade to ports and factories to support the offshore wind industry. 

And finally, question 9—Helen Mary Jones.