The UK’s Department of Energy Security and Net Zero has decided to advance the Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Future Port Talbot project to the primary list phase of the Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing Investment Scheme (FLOWMIS).
ABP’s Future Port Talbot project would see the port transformed into a major hub for the manufacturing, assembly, and integration of floating offshore wind (FLOW) components for projects in the Celtic Sea. It will also be able to act as a ‘hub’ for a wider network of ports across South Wales and the South West.
ABP ceo Henrik L. Pedersen said: “ABP is pleased that the UK Government is supporting the ambitious plan to transform the port of Port Talbot into a major hub for floating offshore wind and green energy development. The FLOWMIS award, alongside significant ABP investment of more than GBP500 million [USD633.5 million], will begin to unlock a projected GBP1 billion [USD1.3 billion] of investment in Port Talbot and the surrounding area.”
The port authority now wants to work at pace with governments in London and Cardiff, as well as other organisations involved in the process, to take forward the Port Talbot development.
Its FLOWMIS bid for the port of Cromarty Firth has also moved to the primary list phase. ABP has recently signed an agreement concerning parcels of land in the Cromarty Firth area and is investigating options for development to support FLOW and green energy development there.
