The Llyr Wind project has been granted Section 36 Consent by the Welsh Ministers, marking the first major offshore wind approval by the new Welsh Government and a pivotal moment for Wales’ renewable energy ambitions.
This consent represents a significant step forward for Llyr as the project moves towards construction and begins to unlock the next phase of next generation offshore wind development in the Celtic Sea.
The Llyr project is expected to create around 2000 jobs during construction, with further skilled roles once operational – supporting Wales’ mission to boost productivity and deliver high-quality employment across coastal communities.
Cabinet Minister for Enterprise, Connectivity, and Energy, Adam Price, highlighted the importance of the project as a driver of economic growth and clean energy leadership for Wales.
Llyr has already achieved several major regulatory milestones, including securing its Marine Licence from Natural Resources Wales in June 2026 and signing an Agreement for Lease with The Crown Estate in July 2026, confirming seabed rights for the development.
As one of the Celtic Sea’s early offshore wind test and demonstration projects, Llyr will showcase pioneering technologies designed for deeper waters and more challenging offshore environments. The project will demonstrate how innovation can accelerate industrial renewal, strengthen regional supply chains, and support future large scale deployments.
Scott Harper, CEO of Cierco Energy, responded: “[This is] a fantastic achievement for Llyr and for Wales”, emphasising the project’s role in positioning South West Wales as a global hub for offshore wind innovation, advanced engineering, and clean energy expertise.
Llyr will create new opportunities for local businesses, ports, universities, and the wider supply chain – building the capabilities needed for future commercial offshore wind projects and international growth.
First power generation from Llyr is targeted for 2031, marking the beginning of a new era of offshore wind deployment in the Celtic Sea.
Cierco Energy looks forward to working closely with Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales, The Crown Estate, and regional partners as the project progresses into its next phase.
For more news and technical articles from the global renewable industry, read the latest issue of Energy Global magazine.
Energy Global’s Summer 2026 issue
The Summer issue of 2026 is out now! The new issue starts with a regional report on Latin America and the Caribbean, considering the benefits and challenges of renewable energy development in the region. The issue also covers topics such as lubricants, digitalisation, the importance of ports, battery storage technology, and more! With contributors from industry leaders including ABB, WindEurope, Sungrow, among others, this is an issue not to miss.