is the UK Government’s Industrial strategy delivering for Welsh marine energy?

It’s just over a year since the UK Government launched its Modern Industrial Strategy – a 10-year plan to increase business investment and grow the industries of the future in the UK.

Published in June 2025, the strategy outlined a UK-wide mission to become a Clean Energy Superpower. It pledged to “double down on wind – onshore, offshore and floating offshore” and position the UK’s “first and largest grid-connected floating offshore wind farm” as a marker of comparative advantage in advanced turbine technologies. 

One year on, what has the strategy delivered for Wales?

• A £64 million investment in Port Talbot was announced to improve infrastructure and prepare for floating offshore technologies. It’s predicted this could help unlock thousands of jobs and at least 4.5GW of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea.
• £20 million was awarded through the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund in South West Wales to support two clusters, building on Wales’ circular economy, boosting supply-chain resilience and increasing energy security.
• Wylfa, Anglesey, was selected to host the UK’s first Small Modular Reactors. It is predicted to create over 3,000 local jobs.
• A new centre for doctoral training in semiconductors, led by Swansea University, was announced for South Wales. Delivered by Cardiff Capital Region, the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund will dedicate £30 million to support place-based regional development in the compound semiconductor and creative industry sectors.
• £50 million was announced for the Wales Defence Growth Deal to boost defence innovation, jobs and skills, particularly in autonomous systems.

The first year of the Modern Industrial Strategy has laid positive foundations, with investment in infrastructure, research, advanced manufacturing and skills demonstrating confidence in Wales’ ability to support the the UK’s industrial future.

The strong emphasis on offshore wind and the Celtic Sea opportunity gives investors confidence, helps businesses plan for the long term and demonstrates where Government sees the UK’s competitive strengths.

However, one year on, the omission of tidal stream energy from the strategy remains a missed opportunity.

While tidal stream in Wales has benefited from innovation funding and support through the Contracts for Difference mechanism, recognition within a long-term industrial strategy would provide a clear signal to investors, developers and the wider supply chain that the technology is considered part of the UK’s future clean energy mix.

As the Government moves from strategy to delivery, there remains an opportunity to build on the progress made over the past year by ensuring tidal stream is recognised alongside other strategically important clean energy technologies. Doing so would reinforce investor confidence, support continued innovation and strengthen the UK’s position in an increasingly competitive global market.

Marine Energy Wales will continue to champion the development of Wales’ tidal stream and floating offshore wind sectors, working with industry, governments and partners to unlock the full potential of our marine energy resources. Together, these technologies can create skilled jobs, strengthen supply chains, improve energy security and ensure Wales plays a leading role in the UK’s clean energy ambitions.

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