Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum – Marine Energy Supply Chain

Project Description:

The marine renewable energy (MRE) sector opportunity will provide supply chain diversification and clustering which will support Pembrokeshire. Businesses in Pembrokeshire are well placed to grow their business in the sector in key areas such as foundations, marine operations, consultancy services, consenting and components.

The Supply Chain Development project will provide a baseline understanding of the MRE supply chain in Wales, identifying those companies already working in the sector and those with strong potential to diversify.

Project Outcomes:

The aim of this project has been to promote marine renewable energy as an opportunity for local supply chain companies to diversity into, away from traditional fossil fuel energy sectors.  A report produced as a result of this project has found that the sector already directly supports 137 FTE jobs and 350 person years of employment across Wales.  By diversifying into this new, low-carbon sector, there are opportunities to provide long-term, sustainable jobs and income for local businesses and to promote inward investment into a renewable energy industry.

Lessons Learned:

The success of the first event indicated that further networking opportunities would be beneficial to build on the information learned and connections made.  Also, approaching the marketing of this event would need to be looked at.

”The project found that there are established transferable skills and experience in Pembrokeshire in an ideal location with port facilities and engineering hub.  This project has worked to focus the attention of these skilled companies in this new sector in order to cement Wales’ position as a leader by enabling the industry to make the critical steps towards commercial deployment.”