Cornish MPs unite to champion Celtic Sea wind potential

Cornish MPs are urging for the county to become a leading hub of clean energy technology.

They are championing the potential of floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea to provide a significant boost to the region's economy and workforce.

This was discussed in a recent debate in Westminster Hall.

Truro and Falmouth MP, Jayne Kirkham, said: "The opportunities that arise for Cornwall from offshore wind in the Celtic Sea alone—for our supply chain, which is poised to expand, for our economy and for our people, who will benefit from skilled, good jobs—are vast."

Ms Kirkham highlighted the potential of the Clean Power Plan, a nationwide project launched by the Labour Government, which aligns with Cornwall's vision of becoming a renewable gold mine.

The plan includes ambitious reforms to the country’s energy system, aiming to reindustrialise the country with skilled jobs.

Research by The Crown Estate estimates that the deployment of the first floating offshore wind capacity in the Celtic Sea could create 5,300 jobs and bring a £1.4bn economic boost.

The research also highlighted the need for supply chain development, including operations and maintenance facilities for ports like Falmouth.

Ms Kirkham said: "We have world-class further education colleges in Cornwall that are ready to step up and provide the specialisms and scale of the workforce we need.

"All we need is direction, funding, and a long-term career pathway."

However, she acknowledged that there is currently no "joined-up spatial strategy for the Celtic Sea" and called for a coordinated approach to overcome this barrier.

Her sentiments were echoed by fellow Cornish MPs and others across the political divide.

Camborne and Redruth MP Perran Moon said: "Floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea is a relatively nascent industry, which means that its skills and workforce need to be supported, planned, and nurtured.

"We need to demonstrate that young people and skilled workers do not need to migrate from Cornwall for well-paid employment opportunities in the green economy."

St Austell and Newquay MP Noah Law added: "Floating offshore wind represents a truly transformative opportunity to bring jobs to our region while turbocharging the UK’s energy transition."