A test area for marine energy developers in the Milford Haven Waterway in Wales will be created thanks to a £1.2 million funding boost from the EU.
The Marine Energy Test Area (META) will include zones for research and development and a network of seabed areas where marine energy developers can deploy and test their technology.
The investment aims to attract more companies to Wales by lowering the risks of developing marine technology and supporting developers, supply-chain businesses and universities involved in marine energy projects.
“We want Wales to be at the forefront of research and innovation in the marine energy field so I’m delighted to announce more than £1m of EU funds to help create this test area,” said Finance Secretary Mark Drakeford. “It’s a very exciting time for marine energy in Wales and this initiative is another major step in building a thriving industry in Pembrokeshire and in Wales. We are committed to attracting developers from around the world to Welsh waters.”
The Milford Haven test area is being developed to become a showcase for Wales’ marine energy sector and forms part of the wider £76 million Pembroke Dock Marine scheme, which is one of 11 projects included in the Swansea Bay City Deal.
The META investment follows last month’s announcement of £4.5 million of EU and Welsh Government funding to develop the Morlais Demonstration Zone for tidal energy projects off the Anglesey coast.
