Celtic Freeport

Great piece on ITV News on Port Talbot’s historic significance as a trade port and our exciting plans to transform it into a hub for Floating Offshore Wind.   https://lnkd.in/e5j6ivRP #PortTalbot / #openforbusiness / #ukfreeport / #CelticFreeport / #EnergyTransition / #ReadyForTomorrow / #FLOW / #FloatingOffshoreWind Ashley Curnow / Alice Jones / Hannah Kitcher / Andy Reay / Karel Drastich / #KeepingBritainTrading

Today, we are proud to announce the signing of the first three contracts under Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1), a pivotal step in our journey to Net Zero. These first of 11 Hydrogen projects under HAR1 will help fuel hard-to-abate sectors such as heavy transport and manufacturing, driving economic growth and reducing emissions. Fostering progress in key industrial regions across Britain, HAR1 represents a pivotal moment in delivering on the government's Net Zero ambitions. Together, we are helping to turn policy into action, driving forward a sustainable energy transition. Industry Minister Sarah Jones said: “On the heels of the recent launch of the UK's carbon capture and storage sector, we're moving swiftly to develop the infrastructure necessary for Net Zero while creating good jobs and developing the skills of the future. These projects are helping our mission to make Britain a clean energy superpower, ensuring hydrogen will become an important part of the UK’s future energy mix.” Neil McDermott, Chief Executive at LCCC said:   "We are proud to sign the first three of these pioneering contracts under Hydrogen Allocation Round 1 (HAR1) that will enable the production of 31.8MW of low carbon hydrogen. This milestone signifies our commitment to accelerating Britain’s journey towards a Net Zero future and underscores our pivotal role in delivering transformative projects, utilising cutting-edge technology, that drives decarbonisation. We are eager to partner with our new stakeholders to deliver these groundbreaking projects." Clare Jackson, CEO at Hydrogen UK said: "Signed contracts for these first three projects is a landmark achievement for the UK hydrogen sector. It demonstrates the confidence and commitment of both Government and industry in building a sustainable hydrogen sector. We look forward to maintaining this momentum and ensuring that the remaining eight projects progress swiftly. With full focus in January, we can build on these first projects and deliver a thriving hydrogen industry which will be vital for meeting the UK’s Net Zero targets, driving economic growth, and creating jobs.” Read more here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eyrSVjn6 #HAR1 #Hydrogen #Renewableenergy #NetZero

Frances O'Brien, Prif Weithredwr newydd Cyngor Castell-nedd Port Talbot yn amlinellu’r dirwedd ddiwydiannol ddatblygedig yn Ne Cymru a’r cyfleoedd ar gyfer cymunedau lleol wrth i weledigaeth y Porthladd Rhydd Celtaidd gael ei datgelu.

Frances O’Brien, Neath Port Talbot Council’s new Chief Executive, outlines the evolving industrial landscape in South Wales and the opportunities for local communities as the Celtic Freeport vision unfolds.

📢⚡Great to announce that RWE, the largest power producer in Wales and the country’s number one renewable energy generator, has secured planning permission for our Pembroke Green Hydrogen Project. This project has the potential to become #wales first large scale green hydrogen facility. It will enable the production of green hydrogen, with the 100MWe electrolyser strategically located on RWE land adjacent to the Pembroke Power Station. The plant will include a direct pipeline connection to nearby industry where green hydrogen will displace fossil fuels and support decarbonisation of the South Wales Industrial Cluster. Securing planning lays the foundation for the next phases of the project, including securing government funding and finalising financial investment decisions 👍 https://lnkd.in/dfNyyUUi RWE South Wales Industrial Cluster Net Zero Industry Wales Pembrokeshire County Council Llywodraeth Cymru Economi | Welsh Government Economy

𝗠𝗔𝗝𝗢𝗥 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚜⚡ We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with JCB for the supply of green steel from Port Talbot! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 This is the first supply agreement we have made since announcing our £1.25 billion joint investment with the Government to transition to high-quality, low-CO2 steel production in South Wales. Read all about our landmark agreement in the comments 👇

The Celtic Freeport is officially open for business 🤝 - That's good news for supply chain targeting floating offshore wind, says Tor Arne Johnsen. They Celtic Freeport covers the ports of Milford Haven and Port Talbot in Wales. They focus on accelerating the low-carbon economy, particularly through floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea. The Free port is expected to create around 16,000 green jobs, attract £5.5 billion in investment, and support the development of green technologies.    -This is good news for the UK and the supply chain targeting floating offshore wind, says Alfred Risan, leader of the Working Group for UK in Norwegian Offshore Wind. The freeport is expected to be integral in the development of a strong supply chain in floating offshore wind, and it can enable substantial investments in UK in general and in Wales in particular. This is also an opportunity for the Norwegian supply chain.    The process on the Celtic Sea Leasing (Round5) round is also underway with prequalification and bidding for capacity of up to 4.5 gigawatts of floating offshore wind projects off the coasts of South Wales and South West England. Projects are expected to be delivered, with some extending into the early part of the next decade.   -With the Celtic Sea leasing round underway and the Celtic Freeport up and running are two building blocks for creating a commercially interesting floating offshore wind market in the Celtic Sea secured, says Tor Arne Johnsen (Pictured below), EU-advisor in Norwegian Offshore Wind. 2025 could be a pivotal year for the Celtic Sea and NOW will organize activities for this development accordingly.    ✅ Freeports facts: Freeport measure in the United Kingdom involves designating specific areas as special economic zones where normal customs rules, such as taxes, do not apply until goods leave the zone. These zones aim to boost economic activity, attract investment, and create jobs in regions that have historically missed out on such opportunities.   ✅ Key features of UK Freeports include: Tax incentives: Businesses operating within Freeports benefit from various tax reliefs, including on stamp duty, employer National Insurance contributions, and business rates1. ✅ Customs benefits: Goods entering Freeports are not subject to the usual import procedures and duties until they leave the zone2. Investment in infrastructure: Freeports receive initial seed funding to develop infrastructure and support local economic growth2. ✅ Innovation hubs: They are intended to become centers for innovation, particularly in sectors like manufacturing and green energy3. The UK government has established several Freeports across the country, including in regions like Teesside, Liverpool, and the East Midlands.

Introducing: the Industrial Strategy Advisory Council, formed of business leaders and policy experts from across the UK to offer government independent advice as it develops a new, modern industrial strategy 📣 Read more: https://lnkd.in/emsXnRhh

Simon Ames, Rheolwr Gyfarwyddwr Dragon LNG a’i adran ynni adnewyddadwy datblygedig, Dragon Energy, yn trafod y cyfleoedd a’r posibiliadau trawsnewidiol y Porthladd Rhydd Celtaidd i ddatblygu gweledigaeth y cwmni i ddarparu mwy o ynni i’r DU i greu dyfodol gwell.

Simon Ames, Managing Director of Dragon LNG and its expanding renewables division, Dragon Energy, discusses the opportunities and transformative potential of the Celtic Freeport in advancing the company's vision of delivering more energy into the UK for a brighter future. #renewables #energy