Diolch, Dirprwy Lywydd, and I'm very proud as a Welsh Conservative to be opening this debate on offshore renewable energy. Electricity consumption in Wales is expected to surge by up to 300 per cent by 2050, due to increased demand by the transport and heat sectors. The Welsh Government has to take accountability to ensure that we have sufficient capacity to meet this demand. It is vital that Wales does not miss out on renewable opportunities and their subsequent benefits to the community, including employment opportunities, and a boost to our economy.

The case for investment in offshore wind is clear: the UK is already viewed as a world leader in offshore wind. In 2020, there were 35 offshore windfarms off the coast of Great Britain, encompassing almost 2,200 wind turbines. Contributing 13 per cent of the UK's electricity needs, these offshore windfarms produced 40.7 TWh. Offshore windfarms are also viewed as more efficient than their on-land counterparts. This is primarily due to the higher wind speeds experienced across the sea and a lack of physical obstructions by natural or man-made structures. This subsequently results in the seas providing more space for offshore windfarms to be positioned, as well as being further away from local populations. Offshore renewables can contribute a significant amount to Wales's economy, and floating offshore wind is said to have contributed £2.2 million to the Welsh economy in recent years.