Support for the Offshore Energy Sector

Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 2:26 pm on 14 June 2022.

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Photo of Paul Davies Paul Davies Conservative 2:26, 14 June 2022

(Translated)

I'm grateful to you for that response. In order to provide floating offshore wind energy, and for Wales to deliver the economic, social and environmental benefits available, we need marine planning reforms to deliver projects as soon as possible. Indeed, a simpler process for marine planning would mean that projects such as the Erebus project by Blue Gem Wind, which will be off the Pembrokeshire coast, could be delivered before far larger projects in other parts of the UK. I do understand that there is a commitment to reduce timetables for planning decisions to 12 months, which has been put in place in other parts of the UK. So, can you tell us what the Welsh Government is doing to ensure that timely planning consent is given for these projects in Wales, so that Wales doesn't lose out as compared to other parts of the UK?