Secretary of State for Wales hosts roundtable to discuss the role of marine energy in supporting the UK’s Clean Energy Superpower ambitions
Written by UK Marine Energy Council on .
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens MP, this week hosted the marine energy sector to discuss how industry and government can work together to realise Wales’ 6GW of tidal stream and wave energy potential. The discussion covered industry progress, the role of the Marine Energy Taskforce, and the upcoming renewable auction.
Wales’ 870 miles of coastline has significant renewable potential. The Marine Energy Council, the representative body of the UK’s tidal stream and wave energy sectors, met with the Secretary of State, to discuss the progress being made in harnessing this potential, and the development of world-leading tidal stream site, Morlais in Anglesey.
Morlais is a community-owned tidal stream site, managed by the social enterprise Menter Môn, with 240MW of consented capacity. In the last three renewable auctions, 38MW has been successfully contracted by companies including Inyanga Marine, Magallanes Renovables, QED Naval and Verdant. These projects, due to deploy before 2028, have been made possible by the UK Government’s international leadership in setting a ringfence for tidal stream in its renewable auctions.
The budget for the next renewable auction for non-offshore wind technologies will be announced on 8 December 2025. The MEC is calling for the Government to set a £40m tidal stream and a £7m wave energy ringfence in the next renewable auction.
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens said:
“There is huge potential for Wales to capitalise on our natural resources and play a leading role in marine energy development through projects like Morlais in North Wales. This initiative aims to harness the area’s tidal energy potential while creating high-quality jobs in our coastal communities.
“The UK Government is committed to growing the clean energy sector to help reduce household bills and secure home-grown energy supplies. The sector is also vital for helping us achieve our economic growth mission which will create new well-paid jobs.
“I was delighted to host the roundtable, bringing industry leaders together to make sure Wales is front and centre of the clean energy revolution.”
John Idris Jones, Director, Morlais, said:
“Wales has significant and untapped tidal stream potential. I want to thank the Secretary of State for her continued support for the sector, and for our work to harness predictable, clean energy.
“Wales can lead the world in developing, building and exporting marine energy technologies. The next renewable auction is an opportunity to build on the progress being made and unlock the full potential of marine energy to support the UK Government’s Clean Energy Superpower ambitions.”
The MEC is leading the Marine Energy Taskforce, which is developing a roadmap and a series of recommendations for the Government. The Taskforce will report in June 2026.
Sue Bartlett-Reed, MEC Chair, said:
“Wales has a rich marine energy resource and will be important in the delivery of UK and global efforts to develop tidal stream and wave energy technologies. With the UK Government’s backing, the Marine Energy Task Force will develop a set of recommendations which will unlock delivery of a roadmap for marine energy. Industry can support Government to ensure that the UK can harness this potential and that opportunities are created in coastal communities and beyond.”
