Part of 1. Questions to the First Minister – in the Senedd at 1:34 pm on 15 November 2022.
Well, Llywydd, I agree with Ken Skates that HyNet represents a major opportunity for the economy of north-east Wales, working with our partners in the north-west of England. Earlier in the autumn, I was able to discuss the development of HyNet with the metro mayor of Liverpool, Steve Rotheram. In an ecumenical sense of answering this question, I shall recognise the investment of the UK Government in HyNet. And it is an example of where we have been able to work with UK Government Ministers to play our part alongside them and elected representatives in the north-west of England to bring that project to fruition. I'm very grateful for the contribution that Flintshire County Council, in particular, alongside the North Wales Economic Ambition Board, have made. The ambition to have a key site for hydrogen generation and storage at the Deeside Industrial Park is one of the reasons why we have that investment, which reaches across that economy that combines north-east Wales and the north-west of England. And working together will offer us the best opportunity to do what Ken Skates said, Llywydd, and that is to accelerate our ability to maximise those opportunities.