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Frequently Asked Questions
Explore our FAQ page to find quick answers to common questions about marine renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Should we be cautious about the optimism surrounding marine renewable energy?
Absolutely. While marine renewable energy offers exciting opportunities, it’s essential to approach it with a balanced view. There are challenges and risks involved, and it’s important to consider all aspects carefully.
2. What activity will we see in the Port of Milford Haven?
It is unlikely we will see floating offshore wind turbines built in the Port. The Port will likely be used for operations and maintenance once construction is underway in the Celtic Sea.
The River Cleddau is also home to META (The Marine Energy Test Area), which allows for testing of marine energy devices at three different sites on the waterway. You might sometimes see these new and innovative devices being put in or taken out!
Pembroke Port is also building large lay down space for marine energy technology!
3. What is happening in the Celtic Sea?
For more information, visit the following web pages at Marine Energy Wales: Celtic Sea and Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW).
4. Are there still unresolved issues with marine renewables?
Yes, like any developing technology, marine renewables come with their own set of challenges. One major issue is the high cost of building and running projects using newer technologies. Another concern is what happens when the equipment reaches the end of its life—removing and safely decommissioning it can be tricky and expensive. These are important challenges that need to be addressed to make sure marine renewable energy works well in the long run.
5. What opportunities does marine renewable energy present for young people?
Marine renewable energy presents significant opportunities for young people, particularly in terms of careers. There are new projects starting in the UK, which is exciting, but it’s important to be realistic and make sure these projects actually provide the job opportunities they promise. Take a look at this careers website to find out more about the opportunities in the industry.
6. Is there a lot happening off the coast of Wales in terms of marine energy?
Yes, there’s a surprising amount of activity in the marine energy sector along the Welsh coast. This growing industry could offer various employment opportunities, making it worth exploring for those interested in the field. Projects like the Morlais Tidal Energy project are pioneering ways to generate clean energy from the sea. These initiatives not only aim to reduce carbon emissions but also create jobs in construction, maintenance, and operations.
For more details and updates on these and other projects, check out the Marine Energy Wales website. It’s a good resource if you’re interested in the field and want to stay informed. Visit the Marine Energy Wales website.
7. What is the community's overall impression of marine renewable energy developments?
The community in Pembrokeshire generally sees marine renewable energy as a positive step for Pembrokeshire. However, there are concerns about how long these projects actually take to get up and running and the actual benefits to the local economy and wildlife. Many are concerned that it’s “all talk” – and that’s why there are many people pushing for benefits to be realised locally.
8. Is there a connection between marine renewables and local housing or wildlife?
The answer is yes, there can be! When companies develop renewable projects they may generate meaningful community benefit for the areas they impact. By ensuring that the needs of the county are high on the agenda of developers, we can push for the most pressing problems to be targetted and resolved.
9. Where can I learn more about marine renewable energy news and progress?
The best place to look would be on the Marine Energy Wales website or by signing up to their monthly newsletter! You can also follow Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum or Marine Energy Wales on LinkedIn (PCF, MEW), X (PCF, MEW) and Facebook (PCF).
10. How does France's experience with marine renewables compare to the UK's?
France has a more established track record with marine renewables, which some believe has led to better integration and benefits. The UK is still catching up, but we can learn from France’s experience to improve our own efforts.