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RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted.
RESOLVED: • That the proposed publication of a regional call for expressions of interest for Local Growth Fund South West Wales, as set out in the appendix of the circulated report, be endorsed • That it be noted that any proposals progressing beyond expression of interest stage will be subject to further assessment, due diligence and, where required, a further decision of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee before any funding commitment is made.
RESOLVED: That the spending of the £120K feasibility budget on the Transitioning Schools from Liquid Fossil Fuels project to support the development of a pipeline of twenty capital projects, be endorsed subject to the final approval of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee.
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
The Chairperson welcomed everyone to the meeting.
There were no declarations of interest received.
The minutes of the meeting held on 6 July 2026, were approved as an accurate record.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted.
The Committee received a presentation on the Gwynt Glas Floating Offshore Wind Project. It was stated that this project focused on development of a site located approximately 40 kilometres off the coast of Pembrokeshire within Welsh waters in the Celtic Sea. Members were advised that Gwynt Glas operated as a special purpose vehicle comprising three equal sponsors: ESB, EDF and Sumitomo; this partnership was said to bring significant international experience in the development and operation of offshore wind projects. It was added that support was also being provided by DP Energy, based in Pembroke Dock, which was assisting with stakeholder engagement, social value initiatives and environmental enhancement activities. Officers outlined that Gwynt Glas formed part of a Crown Estate leasing round that’s offered three floating offshore wind sites in the Celtic Sea, each with a capacity of up to 1.5GW; the site’s water depths of between 68 and 84 metres necessitated the use of floating offshore wind technology. It was noted that an agreement for lease had been secured from the Crown Estate, providing a ten-year option period to complete consenting, procurement and financing activities before transitioning to a 60-year operational lease; the project could be delivered in up to three phases, with a minimum generating capacity of 300MW per phase. The presentation explained the differences between conventional offshore wind designs, using fixed foundations, and floating offshore wind technology; floating foundations would allow deployment further offshore in deeper waters, providing both environmental benefits and opportunities for innovation and industry growth. It was highlighted that the UK Government had identified floating offshore wind as a significant future export opportunity, with associated skills and employment benefits. Members were informed that turbine integration would take place at a port location within the locality of the project; opportunities to utilise ports along the South Wales coast and within the Bristol Channel were currently being explored, with the potential to generate significant economic benefits and employment opportunities. A discussion took place in regard to the benefits of the offshore wind projects. It was estimated that the development of the three Celtic Sea projects could support approximately 5,300 jobs and contribute £1.4 billion to the UK economy; the commitment to maximising these benefits, in line with the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act, was emphasised. The Committee was advised that, despite being at an early stage, the project had already supported initiatives including the Destination Renewables programme, which promoted careers within the renewable energy sector to schools and colleges across Wales; a number of further initiatives were also being developed to increase awareness of opportunities for local communities and businesses. The presentation highlighted targets contained within the agreement for lease, including a requirement that 3.5% of new workers be recruited through apprenticeship programmes and that 10% of new employees aged between 19 and 24 be drawn from those not currently in education, employment or training. In terms of project development, it was noted that the ten-year option period had commenced on 1 October 2025; current activity was focused primarily on the consenting process, with a scoping report having been submitted earlier in the year. It was mentioned that responses had largely been received, with a small number still outstanding. It was explained that the offshore generation infrastructure would be consented through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project process via a Development Consent Order determined by UK Ministers; the associated export infrastructure would be considered separately under a Marine Licence process determined by Welsh Ministers. It was added that ongoing engagement was taking place with Natural Resources Wales, Local Authorities and other statutory consultees. Alongside consenting activities, it was stated that work was progressing on engineering design, procurement planning and engagement with potential contractors; detailed design work was anticipated from around 2030, followed by financing and final investment decisions in the early 2030s, with construction expected during the mid-2030s. Members were informed that work undertaken to date had included early engineering design, engagement with regional ports, environmental surveys, development of a Positive Environmental Outcomes Plan and supply chain engagement activities; businesses interested in future opportunities were encouraged to register through the project’s supplier database on the website. The presentation also outlined the site selection and grid connection process. The Committee heard that the project boundary had been determined by The Crown Estate and awarded through a competitive process; National Electricity System Operator studies had identified a connection point at the proposed Llandyfaelog substation in Carmarthenshire. It was added that work was ongoing to identify suitable offshore routes, landfall locations and onshore cable routes. It was confirmed that cables between the landfall point and onshore infrastructure would be installed underground; whilst temporary impacts would arise during construction, the land would be restored following completion of the works. The scope and methodology of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) were outlined; the submitted scoping report identified environmental receptors and proposed assessment methodologies. Members were advised that both the technical and spatial project envelopes would be refined as the design progressed and that extensive stakeholder and public engagement would continue throughout the process. In relation to next steps, The Committee was advised that further work would focus on reviewing scoping responses, identifying preferred landfall and cable route options, undertaking public engagement activities and carrying out extensive environmental surveys during 2026 and 2027. In response to a question regarding decommissioning, Members were advised that current seabed lease arrangements required the full removal of infrastructure at the end of the project’s operational life. It was noted that, in limited circumstances, some infrastructure could remain in situ where environmental or health and safety considerations justified this approach; any decommissioning plan and associated financial provisions would be based on full infrastructure removal. Members sought further information regarding community engagement. It was reported that engagement to date had focused primarily on awareness-raising activities, including attendance at county shows, visits to colleges and educational establishments, and supply chain events with local businesses; more formal consultation was expected to commence later in the year. It was highlighted that support from Local Authorities and stakeholders in promoting consultation events and encouraging participation would be welcomed. A question was raised regarding the future community benefits programme and whether funding would be geographically restricted. In response, it was explained that the project was committed in principle to delivering community benefits, although a formal strategy had not yet been developed; the approach to distribution, eligibility and the types of projects that could be supported remained under consideration. Suggestions, including support for community energy schemes, were welcomed and would inform future discussions on how funding could deliver the greatest benefit to local communities. RESOLVED: That the presentation be noted.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: • That the proposed publication of a regional call for expressions of interest for Local Growth Fund South West Wales, as set out in the appendix of the circulated report, be endorsed • That it be noted that any proposals progressing beyond expression of interest stage will be subject to further assessment, due diligence and, where required, a further decision of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee before any funding commitment is made.
Officers presented a report on the Local Growth Fund (LGF) Wales Call for Projects. Members were advised that the LGF was a more targeted programme focused on economic development, compared to the previous Shared Prosperity Fund. It was noted that Welsh Government required governance and decision-making arrangements to operate at a regional level; the region was considered well placed to undertake this transition due to existing governance structures that had been utilised for a number of years, including during the latter stages of the Shared Prosperity Fund programme. Members were informed that, for the first year of the programme, existing Shared Prosperity Fund arrangements had been adapted, with Swansea Council continuing to act as the regional lead authority responsible for receiving and distributing funding; the programme focused on skills and employability, business support and economic infrastructure, with limited provision for community-based projects. Officers reported that existing regional projects were progressing well, particularly those relating to business support; there was an expectation that Years 2 and 3 of the programme, which would run until March 2029, would include larger scale regional proposals alongside existing locally delivered activity. It was stated that the region was well prepared for the programme, having already developed an Economic Delivery Plan and Investment Strategy; these documents broadly satisfied Welsh Government requirements and had identified a strong pipeline of potential investment opportunities, including a number of projects capable of delivering regional economic impact. Officers proposed that project assessments be undertaken using the criteria previously agreed within the Investment Strategy, including value for money, evidence of need, strategic fit, economic impact and deliverability; particular emphasis would be placed on deliverability due to the limited delivery period, with projects required to be substantially completed by December 2028. Members were advised that the programme was primarily capital focused and that proposed schemes would need to demonstrate readiness and the ability to deliver meaningful outcomes within the available timeframe. It was further proposed that a call for expressions of interest be launched during September 2026, with submissions assessed against the Investment Strategy criteria; following assessment, submissions be reviewed and recommendations be brought back through the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee (SWWCJC) governance structure for decisions on progression to full applications. It was highlighted that subject to approval, funding decisions were expected to be issued before the end of the calendar year. Officers acknowledged the challenging timescales, however advised that the region was in a strong position due to the existing pipeline of projects identified through previous strategic work. In response to a question regarding whether new schemes were expected to come forward, Officers advised that proposals would need to have reached an advanced stage of development, with planning processes underway where required; existing major regional projects and schemes requiring capital support would also be eligible for consideration. It was noted that establishing a complete portfolio of projects would provide greater certainty for the delivery of Year 1 activity and enable clearer allocation of funding across the programme. RESOLVED: • That the proposed publication of a regional call for expressions of interest for Local Growth Fund South West Wales, as set out in the appendix of the circulated report, be endorsed • That it be noted that any proposals progressing beyond expression of interest stage will be subject to further assessment, due diligence and, where required, a further decision of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee before any funding commitment is made.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the spending of the £120K feasibility budget on the Transitioning Schools from Liquid Fossil Fuels project to support the development of a pipeline of twenty capital projects, be endorsed subject to the final approval of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee.
Members received a report seeking approval for the allocation of feasibility funding to support the regional Transitioning Schools from Liquid Fossil Fuels Project. Officers reported that the Energy Steering Group had identified 82 schools and educational sites across the region that continued to rely on oil or liquid gas heating systems. It was noted that this created a number of challenges, including contributions to poor air quality, risks of environmental pollution, exposure to fluctuating fuel prices, and reliance on fuel deliveries that could be affected by supply chain and weather-related disruptions. The Committee was advised that the feasibility budget had originally been allocated to support work associated with Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES) projects; however, as this work had secured funding from an alternative source, it was proposed that the budget be redirected to support the schools project. It was highlighted that the allocation of funding would generate £120,000 of matched funding through the Welsh Government Development and Design Grant programme, equating to £30,000 per local authority; the combined funding package of £240,000 would support the development of a pipeline of up to 20 shovel-ready projects with an estimated capital value of £12 million, making them eligible for future applications to the Welsh Government Local Carbon Heat Grant. Members were further advised that, should participating Local Authorities identify an additional £20,000 each, the region would be able to access the maximum grant allocation of £200,000; this would increase the potential project pipeline to approximately 30 sites, with an estimated capital value of £19 million. Officers highlighted a range of anticipated benefits, including reduced exposure to volatile fuel prices, improved certainty for long-term energy budgeting, opportunities to utilise locally generated renewable energy, reduced operational complexity, and more streamlined energy metering, management and carbon accounting arrangements. It was noted that the grant application deadline was 25 September 2026 and that all design and development work would need to be completed by 31 March 2027; subject to a successful grant application, local teams would need to receive approval of the funding by mid-October 2026 to enable the work to proceed. Members expressed support for the proposal, noting the success of similar projects that had transitioned council housing away from fossil fuel heating systems; it was considered appropriate to explore similar opportunities for schools in order to improve sustainability and future-proof educational facilities. RESOLVED: That the spending of the £120K feasibility budget on the Transitioning Schools from Liquid Fossil Fuels project to support the development of a pipeline of twenty capital projects, be endorsed subject to the final approval of the South West Wales Corporate Joint Committee.
Y penderfyniad fel y'i cofnodwyd
RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
Officers provided an update on the delivery of regional energy projects across the region. Members were advised that Welsh Government continued to fund the Regional Energy Team, whose role was to support Local Authorities and communities in delivering projects identified within the Local Area Energy Plan. It was noted that funding was currently secured until March 2027, with ongoing discussions regarding continued support beyond this date. In terms of governance, Officers confirmed that Pembrokeshire County Council had assumed the role of Chair of the Regional Energy Group and would lead on future procurement activity, which was expected to provide a more streamlined approach to the delivery of regional energy projects. Officers reported that a review of regional and local team capacity was underway to assess current resources against the ambitions set out within carbon reduction plans, the Regional Energy Strategy and Local Area Energy Plans; findings would be reported in November 2026. It was noted that limited local capacity and targeted funding often restricted the region’s ability to access significant capital funding opportunities, highlighting the importance of developing a pipeline of shovel-ready projects. An update was provided on the O Laith i Gynnes (Damp to Warm Homes) project, which was being delivered in partnership with Cardiff University and was scheduled to run until March 2027. Members were advised that a policy engagement event would be held on 20 November 2026 at one of Carmarthenshire County Council’s farms where monitoring activity was taking place; the event would be attended by Members, Senedd Members and local MPs. It was also reported that the project had been invited to present its findings at a number of national and international conferences, including the International Conference on Conservation of Architectural Heritage. Regarding Smart Local Energy Systems (SLES), it was highlighted that alternative funding sources had been secured for feasibility work originally anticipated to be funded through the regional feasibility budget; approximately 20 sites had been identified, with the most advanced projects progressing through grant applications to Ynni Cymru. Officers mentioned that a decision was expected shortly regarding approximately £1.5 million of capital funding. Members also noted that Carmarthenshire County Council had commissioned feasibility studies for several sites, while additional projects were being progressed through Innovate UK funding, consultant support and community energy groups; these projects were expected to provide lower-cost local energy, particularly in areas experiencing grid constraints. Officers provided an update on the regional group solar scheme, which Pembrokeshire County Council was progressing through procurement arrangements; subject to implementation, residents across South West and Mid Wales would be invited to participate in a pilot scheme during early 2027. The Committee was advised that a similar initiative within the Cardiff Capital Region had generated approximately £4 million of private sector investment in solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and had supported the creation of around 40 jobs; it was anticipated that a comparable scheme could increase the uptake of renewable energy technologies across the region. Members also received an update on work being undertaken to improve access to impartial retrofit advice for residents and businesses. Officers highlighted the forthcoming introduction of UK Government Warm Homes loans and noted the need for support services to help individuals identify suitable energy efficiency measures and access available funding; discussions had commenced with Citizens Advice regarding a potential coordination role, alongside opportunities to signpost residents to trusted local organisations capable of providing specialist retrofit advice. In relation to larger-scale energy projects, Officers stated that the Morlais Colliery site at Llangennech had been identified as a significant opportunity for mine water heat development; Carmarthenshire County Council had appointed consultants to undertake feasibility work exploring opportunities to utilise heat from the site for nearby residential properties and potential commercial users in Llanelli. It was noted that the project was intended to demonstrate how mine water heat resources could be used to benefit communities and businesses across the region. Finally, Members were advised of ongoing work to assess the potential for anaerobic digestion projects as a means of addressing nutrient management issues within river catchments. Officers reported that feasibility work was exploring the use of slurry and on-farm mobile dewatering systems to reduce nutrient pollution and support sustainable development; an application for grant funding to support further feasibility and strategic work was due to be submitted by the end of September 2026, with completion targeted by March of the following year. RESOLVED: That the report be noted.
The Forward Work Programme was noted.
There were no urgent items.
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