Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd. Can I thank the Minister for his statement this afternoon? Of course, offshore marine energy is something that I'm particularly interested in, given the constituency that I represent and the opportunities that that particular part of the Welsh coastline presents for the sector and, indeed, for the Welsh economy. Indeed, the Minister has mentioned the latest developments in relation to Blue Gem Wind in Pembrokeshire, who I met with very recently, and I'm pleased to be working closely with them on their innovative projects. Of course, we need to see more activity like this across Wales.

According to Marine Energy Wales's 'State of the Sector 2021' report,

'With the right level of support and investment to enable continued innovation, Wales could become one of the best and easiest places to produce offshore renewable energy.'

We know that when Governments invest in offshore technologies and developments, it makes those projects more attractive to private sector investment, and so perhaps the Minister can tell us how the Welsh Government will be prioritising funding in this field going forward? Will a specific pot of funding for offshore renewable energy projects in Wales now be developed, for example?

In the discussions that I've had with stakeholders, they've made it clear to me that marine planning reforms are also needed to deliver projects sooner so that Wales can maintain a competitive edge. In particular, more streamlined processes for marine planning and consenting would help to ensure that projects in Welsh waters are able to be delivered ahead of much larger projects in other parts of the UK. Therefore, perhaps the Minister will tell us what plans the Welsh Government has to reform the marine planning landscape so that we don't miss out on projects here in Wales.

Marine Energy Wales's state of the sector report also tells us that

'Of the companies who have built or are currently building devices in Wales...at least 50% of their supply chain has come from within Wales'.

So, we know that there are huge opportunities for businesses here in Wales. Therefore, I'd be grateful if the Minister could tell us a bit more about the work that is being done to maximise opportunities for supply chain businesses in Wales and how the Welsh Government is supporting that work going forward.

Today's statement rightly refers to our ports and their infrastructure, and if we want Wales to be a global player in the field of marine renewables, then we need to see our ports better supported. To deliver offshore marine energy in Welsh waters and for Wales to realise the economic, social and environmental benefits available, port infrastructure investment is urgently needed to enable the projects coming through to be here in Wales. I'm aware that a current lack of suitable local facilities in west Wales could leave developers with little choice but to tow in technology from other countries such as Spain and France, where port infrastructure is more advanced.

Today's statement refers to the UK Government's £160 million floating wind ports fund, and I'd be grateful if the Minister could tell us how the Welsh Government is supporting port development in Wales and ensure that Wales will capture as much funding as possible from that particular funding.

Now, this brings me on to strong inter-governmental relations, which are integral in identifying and maximising support for those projects. Today's statement refers to last week's agreement with the UK Government on the establishment of a free ports policy in Wales, and I welcome the agreement and the positive inter-governmental engagement that has taken place to get to this point. The Minister is right to say that a free port in Wales will have a significant economic impact and will bring in jobs and attract new industry and innovation to the area. I know that both Governments are now working together to co-design the process for free port site selection and both will have an equal say in all decisions throughout the implementation process. So, whilst it might be early days, perhaps the Minister could just provide some further details about the next stage in that particular process.

The Minister also refers to the importance of proactive investment in our grid infrastructure, which is, of course, outside the Welsh Government's remit. So, perhaps he could also tell us a bit more about the future grid in Wales project and how that work is progressing.

Now, I'm pleased that today's statement confirms that a net-zero skills action plan will be published later this year. The Minister is right to say that the development of the plan is a unique opportunity to achieve a just transition to net zero. I'd be grateful if the Minister could update us on the work that has been done to develop the plan so far so that we can get a sense of how the Welsh Government is planning to develop local labour markets going forward.

Finally, the Minister refers to the Welsh Government's upcoming innovation strategy, which will be important in developing emerging marine technologies. I'd be grateful if the Minister could tell us more about the funding that will be allocated to support that particular strategy so that we can be sure that it has the resources to really make a difference.

Therefore, in closing, Dirprwy Lywydd, Wales has the geography to be an international player in this area, but it needs support from its Governments at all levels, and, on that note, can I thank the Minister for his statement this afternoon and say that I look forward to working constructively with him on this important agenda? Thank you.