I'm grateful to be able to speak in today's very important Welsh Conservative debate on offshore renewable energy, tabled in the name of my colleague, Darren Millar, and, of course, opened by Janet Finch-Saunders. And since becoming a Member of the Parliament here for North Wales, I've been a huge advocate of the fantastic benefits that offshore renewable energy contains, but also the fantastic natural resources, facilities, skills and unique opportunities that we have here in Wales, and I, of course, would argue that much of this being in the region of north Wales, having the fantastic opportunities up there. And in contributing to today's debate, I'd like to focus on three pertinent issues that I think are really important when assessing this offshore renewable energy opportunity, and as we've already heard this afternoon, there is, of course, Senedd and political support for seeing delivery of more greener technology and supporting our economy as well.

As point 1 of our motion states, by utilising our coastal waters, we will help to deliver a revolution in green, renewable energy, and as has already been outlined a moment ago by Janet Finch-Saunders, we're expecting to see, by 2050, that surge of 300 per cent in electricity consumption, so there is a very near and present need to see this green revolution take place. Whether it's wind, wave or tidal energy projects, they can all play a crucial role, of course, in delivering a green economy and moving away from our current reliance on oil and gas.

Of course, with this green revolution, it's not just the green credentials, but, of course, the economic benefits of offshore renewable energy. And as point 2 of our motion states today, it’s estimated that a further 10,000 green jobs could be created if this opportunity is fully and properly grasped. Many of these jobs, of course, are well paid, with long, successful careers, which is essential in terms of certainly supporting our young people staying in some of our more rural communities, having those important jobs. In addition to this, of course, offshore renewables can contribute a significant amount towards our wider economy and that all-important supply-chain opportunity that comes with it, and that would make such a difference in some of our industrial advanced technology heartlands in north Wales, such as in Deeside and Wrexham as well.

But for the benefits and opportunities of offshore renewable energy to be fully maximised and utilised, we need to see further work from the Welsh Government. As point 3 of our motion states, we're calling on the Welsh Government to support the development of offshore renewable energies in Wales, whilst ensuring the delivery of a sufficiently skilled workforce and enhanced manufacturing capacity. So, along with this, it's crucially important that we see a more friendly environment made for investment, along with the Welsh Government working more closely with organisations and technology such as TPGen24 and other tidal-power proposals, to ensure that we see offshore renewable energy opportunities maximised and invested in Wales.

I'd like to hear today from the Minister, in the response, how the Welsh Government plans to support renewable energy schemes more than it's doing so today, along with the plans for achieving that baseload electricity position, with the support, of course, of offshore renewables. Minister, I'd also be pleased to hear an update on the tidal lagoon challenge, because I've asked previously for an update on this, and when the next stage will be announced.

So, to conclude, it's clear from my side, that, more than ever, offshore renewable energy has fantastic opportunities to deliver a greener environment, to deliver successful and well-paid jobs. And with our unique opportunities, skills and facilities here in Wales, it's a great area that we can all get behind to deliver long-lasting benefits. We must ensure that more is done to ensure that these renewable energy projects are encouraged and supported, and any slowdown in renewable energy development, deployment and investment is reversed as quickly as possible.

I look forward to the rest of the debate, Deputy Presiding Officer, and call on Members from across the Chamber to support today's motion. Diolch yn fawr iawn.