Irish company DP Energy finalises sale of Saamis Solar Park to City of Medicine Hat, Canada

  • 325MW Saamis Solar Project in the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada will be the largest urban solar development in North America

 

  • Construction is anticipated to begin this year

 

  • DP Energy is headquartered in Cork and operates across the world

 

DP Energy, an Irish company that develops large renewable energy generation projects in Canada and across the world, has completed the sale of North America’s largest urban solar project, Saamis Solar Park to the City of Medicine Hat in Alberta, Canada. The transfer was approved by Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) which has enabled the City to finalise the acquisition of the 325MW project.

 

DP Energy secured the development rights to the site in 2017, then proceeded to obtain a Development Permit in 2021 and ultimately the necessary approval from the AUC in 2024 to construct and operate the project. With the transfer of the approval, the City of Medicine Hat has acquired a ‘ready-to-build’ solar project with all necessary planning and environmental approvals in place.

 

The City now intends to seek an amendment to allow it to construct the Saamis Solar Project in phases, with the first phase adding 75MW of additional generation to the City’s existing fleet of generating units.

 

Situated in the northwest of Canada’s sunniest city, when fully built, Saamis Solar Park is expected to generate enough electricity to supply the equivalent of approximately 100,000 households and offset around 350,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

 

Home to more than 600,000 solar panels, Saamis Solar Park will create a significant number of direct employment opportunities during the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases, as well as extensive indirect opportunities across the full supply chain.

 

DP Energy’s development portfolio in Canada includes a range of solar, onshore wind, storage and offshore wind projects across the country, including the 400MW Nova East Wind project, a joint venture with SBM Offshore targeted as being Canada’s first offshore wind project.

 

 

Headquartered in Cork, and operating for over 30 years, DP Energy has enabled 1.6W of renewable energy generation through 22 significant infrastructure projects worldwide. Currently, DP Energy has a 4.5GW pipeline of renewable energy projects across Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada. The Company is also now active in Southern Africa.

 

DP Energy was founded with a commitment to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods in all its energy developments whilst also minimising impact on other species. This commitment remains at the core of the company’s activities today.

 

Damian Bettles, DP Energy’s Head of Development Canada, said: “As the largest urban solar development in North America, Saamis Solar Park is a project we are proud to have developed. With the sale to the City of Medicine Hat, it adds a dual aspect to the success story. Not only is it a productive use of a large area of contaminated land, it now also has the potential to contribute to the City’s energy transition to clean, renewable power. DP Energy are pleased to have worked with the City of Medicine Hat and with Viterra, owner of the development land, on this successful project and thank them both for their involvement.”

 

This announcement follows on the back of recent EPBC approval from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water, for the Callide Wind Farm located in Queensland, Australia, a DP Energy renewable energy project with a capacity of 430MW.

 

In Ireland, DP Energy has an immediate pipeline of projects including:

  • Aries Wind Farm, located in Co. Mayo, with a potential capacity for up to 40MW
  • Additional early-stage wind farms
  • A growing portfolio of solar projects in the 20MW to 70MW range
  • Early-stage projects involving non grid dependant renewable energy solutions for large energy users.

DP Energy continues to actively explore offshore renewable energy opportunities, including fixed bottom wind, floating wind and ocean energy technologies e.g. wave, around Ireland’s coast. Last year, the company also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a large utility generator to explore using green gasses to power existing and future electricity generating stations. DP Energy is researching battery storage and opportunities in international markets, aligning with an overall growth strategy which will see the company delivering projects in additional countries over the next few years.

 

Visit dpenergy.com to learn more about DP Energy

 

To keep up to date on DP Energy activity, follow the organisation on:

 

X:                     @dpenergygroup

LinkedIn:         DP Energy Group

Instagram:       @dpenergygroup

Irish Company DP Energy secures approval for 430MW wind farm in Queensland Australia

  • Callide Wind Farm is located in the Calliope Range approximately 22km north north-east of Biloela and 75km west south-west of Gladstone 

 

  • The wind farm will comprise of up to 70 wind turbine generators with a capacity of 430MW

 

  • DP Energy has secured approval from the federal government for the project under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EBPC Act)

 

  • DP energy is headquartered in Cork, with operations across the world

 

DP Energy, an Irish company that develops large renewable energy generation projects in Australia and across the world, has been granted EPBC approval from the Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water for Callide Wind Farm, a renewable energy project with a capacity of 430MW. The EPBC approval is a significant milestone for the wind farm, which is located in the Calliope Range in Queensland, Australia.

 

Construction for Callide Wind Farm is expected to commence this year and, upon completion, the wind farm will produce enough energy to power around 130,000 average Queensland households. Callide Wind Farm will also support Queensland’s target of a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

The project will create direct employment opportunities during construction and operation, as well as indirect opportunities through increased demand for local products, materials, and services.

This announcement follows the receipt of Secretary’s environmental assessment requirements (SEARs) for the 700MW Euston Wind Farm in New South Wales, Australia, which is a critical step  towards Development Approval. Other Australian projects include the now operational 320MW Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park in South Australia as well as a pipeline of early stage projects primarily in New South Wales and Queensland.

The company also received approval recently for Saamis Solar Project, North America’s largest urban solar project, located in the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada.

 

Headquartered in Buttevant in North Cork, and operating for over 30 years, DP Energy has enabled 1GW of renewable energy generation through 21 significant infrastructure projects worldwide. Currently, DP Energy has a 9GW pipeline of renewable energy projects across Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada.

 

DP Energy was founded with a commitment to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods in all its energy developments whilst also minimising impact on other species, including marine mammals. This commitment remains at the core of the company’s activities today.

 

Commenting on the approval, Hugh Cantwell, DP Energy Australia’s Head of Development, says: “After working closely with the Department, we are very pleased to have achieved this key milestone for the project. We look forward to advancing the project towards construction and making a meaningful contribution to Queensland’s renewable energy future.”

 

In Ireland, DP Energy has an immediate pipeline of projects including:

  • Lyra Wind farm in Co. Mayo, which could generate up to 100MW
  • Aries Wind Farm, also located in Co. Mayo, with potential capacity for up to 50MW
  • Additional early-stage wind farms
  • A growing portfolio of solar projects in the 20MW to 50MW range
  • Early-stage projects involving non grid dependant renewable energy solutions for large energy users.

DP Energy continues to actively explore offshore renewable energy opportunities, including fixed bottom wind, floating wind and ocean energy technologies e.g. wave, around Ireland’s coast. The company also recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a large Irish utility generator to explore using green hydrogen as a clean fuel to power existing and future electricity generating stations. DP Energy is researching battery storage and opportunities in international markets, aligning with an overall growth strategy which will see the company delivering projects in additional countries over the next few years.

 

Visit dpenergy.com to learn more about DP Energy

 

To keep up to date on DP Energy activity, follow the organisation on:

 

X:                     @dpenergygroup

LinkedIn:         DP Energy Group

Instagram:       @dpenergygroup

Nova East Wind Signs MoU with Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs

Kjipuktuk, Nova Scotia, October 8, 2024 – Nova East Wind Inc (Nova East Wind) is delighted to have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs (Assembly) regarding the development, installation, and operation of Canada’s leading offshore wind project off the eastern shore of Nova Scotia.

Culminating from extensive dialogue between the parties, the MoU reflects a desire to build a relationship to be sustained for the life of the project. Nova East Wind and the Assembly are committed to cooperating in a mutually beneficial manner, ensuring the projects progress while seeking to mitigate any potential impacts on the rights of the Nova Scotia Mi’kmaq.

During the term of the MoU, the parties will seek to develop a Mutual Benefits Agreement, building on existing Mi’kmaw renewable energy capacities, to create meaningful and direct participation in the project. Nova East Wind is committing to develop a Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk) program to support a greater understanding of the project respecting the traditional knowledge of First Nations.

Chief Sidney Peters, Assembly of First Nations Nova Scotia said “Any time work is being considered on the lands and waters of Mi’kma’ki, it is important that Mi’kmaw voices are part of those conversations to ensure any developments are carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner. The MoU with Nova East Wind will help to open the doors for a dialogue on how we can create a stronger, brighter, and greener future for the Mi’kmaw Nation.”

Tory Rushton, N.S. Minister of Natural Resources and Renewables commented “Offshore wind is Nova Scotia’s greatest opportunity since the Age of Sail. It’s going to help us fight climate change, create green jobs and grow our green economy for generations to come. I’m pleased to see developers like DP Energy and SBM Offshore working closely with the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia. Through wind, solar and battery projects and more, the Mi’kmaq are key leaders and partners in our province’s transition to clean energy.”

Simon De Pietro, CEO of DP Energy said “This is an important first step for Nova East Wind as it seeks to establish meaningful Indigenous participation in the project, a key component of this MoU. We remain committed to developing this project in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner, respecting the views and rights of the Mi’kmaq. The primary goal of the MoU is to embody the practices and values of the First Nations of Atlantic Canada and align with the need to protect onshore and offshore environments in Nova Scotia.”

Gerry Sheehan, SBM Offshore said “This is a very welcome relationship as it will help us plan for meaningful development of the supply and servicing chain of partners to bring the project to life. We look forward to working with the Assembly to identify the specific economic and community opportunities to enable greater Mi’kmaw participation in all aspects of the project.”

About Nova East Wind

Subject to regulatory approvals, Nova East Wind is a floating offshore wind energy development in Nova Scotia.  The development is joint venture between DP Energy and SBM Offshore.  It is designed to generate 300-400 megawatt (MW) and will be installed 20 to 30 kilometres offshore Goldboro, Nova Scotia.  The project will consist of 20 to 25 floating wind turbines, each designed to generate an anticipated 15 MW of energy.  The project is targeted to be operational by the early 2030s with a view of supporting Nova Scotia and Canada’s decarbonization goals.

About the Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs

The Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs is comprised of 12 Mi’kmaw Chiefs in Nova Scotia and two ex-officio members, Kji-Saqmaw and Kji-Keptin of the Mi’kmaq Grand Council.  The Assembly is the highest level of decision making in the Rights Implementation process on behalf of the Mi’kmaq of Nova Scotia.  All consultation and rights implementation decisions and direction are obtained at this level.

About DP Energy

DP Energy is an Irish company that develops, constructs, and operates renewable energy projects across the world, including Australia, Canada, the UK, and Ireland. With over 30 years’ experience in the global renewable energy space, DP Energy has an immediate project pipeline of over 7GW and is committed to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods in all their energy developments.

 About SBM Offshore

SBM Offshore has over 65 years of extensive experience designing, constructing, delivering, installing, and operating offshore energy facilities, with special expertise in developing local supply chains and providing economic opportunities to local communities. With over 7,000 people globally, SBM Offshore is active in the decarbonization of conventional deepwater ocean infrastructure and the deployment of new energies.

 

Powering Up Green Education: ‘Destination Renewables’ course rolls out across new Colleges

Destination Renewables, a bilingual, award winning education programme developed by lead partners: Pembrokeshire College, EDF Renewables UK, DP Energy and Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, is celebrating the roll out of the industry led course at two additional further education colleges, with further interest in the roll out.

In addition to the programme’s expansion, the event – attended by learners, education, and industry professionals – also celebrated the recent announcements that the programme has been shortlisted for a Global Offshore Wind Award and two Wales STEM Awards

The course, which prepares 16–18-year-olds with a Level 3 Extended Project Qualification has been adopted by Neath Port Talbot College, and Falmouth Marine School, for the new academic year.

This rollout comes as a result of a successful pilot programme undertaken at Pembrokeshire College, with over 110 learners engaged in the programme since its launch in 2022. A key aspect of the programme is the collaboration between industry and academia to bridge the skills gap and showcase the diverse careers available.

To date, 45 delivery partner companies from across the sector, and over 62 talented professionals, have delivered sessions to inspire, showcase opportunities,  and provide expert insight into the skills required within the renewable energy industry.

Arwyn Williams, Head of Faculty Engineering, Computing, 14-16, Quality Nominee and Strategic lead for Higher Education at Pembrokeshire College said:

“It is fantastic to see, that following the successful pilot programme at Pembrokeshire College, more further education colleges are embarking on this course, engaging with industry, powering green energy careers and putting renewable energy centre stage.”

Mark Hazelton Project Director at EDF Renewables UK said:

“Destination Renewables aims to inspire students to explore future career options in the renewable energy sector needed to build the net zero energy system of the future. Working with the lead partners to expand this course to reach additional learners is very exciting and we look forward to working with the new education partners to empower tomorrow’s leaders.”

The programme is underpinned by the Swansea Bay City Deal’s Skills and Talent programme, jointly funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, alongside private sector investment.

Destination Renewables was established to provide an overview of renewable technologies including: wave, tidal, onshore wind, solar and offshore wind, demonstrate a renewable project development lifecycle and highlight the different career pathways within the industry. Students have opportunities to link with future employers to prepare them for work experience, apprenticeship opportunities and jobs in the ever-expanding renewable energies market.

 

Irish company DP Energy secures approval for largest urban solar development in North America

  • 325MW Saamis Solar Project in the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta will be the second largest of any solar project approved in Canada to date
  • Construction anticipated to begin in 2025
  • DP Energy is headquartered in Cork

 

DP Energy, an Irish company that develops large renewable energy generation projects in Canada and across the world, has been granted approval for the 325MW Saamis Solar Project in the City of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada. The approval for the project, which will be North America’s largest urban solar project when built, follows a public hearing held in the city in April.

Saamis Solar Park, situated in the northwest of Canada’s sunniest city, will support Alberta’s target of sourcing 30% of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2030. It is expected to generate enough electricity to supply the equivalent of approximately 250,000 households and offset around 300,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Home to more than 600,000 solar panels, Saamis Solar Park will create a number of direct employment opportunities during the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases, as well as extensive indirect opportunities across the full supply chain.

Almost half of the 1600-acre project is sited on a contaminated brownfield site consisting of capped phosphogypsum stacks, a by-product of fertilizer production. This is the largest of three projects DP Energy has developed on similar brownfield sites, with the 64MW Barlow and Deerfoot Solar Park project in the City of Calgary, Canada, commencing operation last year.

DP Energy’s development portfolio in Canada also includes the proposed 200MW Miyopiyiwin Wind project in Saskatchewan in partnership with Piapot First Nation, and the 400MW Nova East Wind project, a joint venture with SBM Offshore, targeted as being Canada’s first offshore wind project.

Headquartered in Buttevant in North Cork, and operating for over 30 years, DP Energy has enabled 1.5GW (1,533MW) of renewable energy generation through 21 significant infrastructure projects worldwide. Currently, DP Energy has a 9.7GW pipeline of renewable energy projects across Ireland, the UK, Australia and Canada.

DP Energy was founded with a commitment to using the most sustainable and environmentally responsible methods in all its energy developments whilst also minimising impact on other species, including marine mammals. This commitment remains at the core of the company’s activities today.

Commenting on the milestone, Damian Bettles, DP Energy’s Head of Development Canada, said: “We are delighted with the AUC’s approval for the Saamis Solar Park. The solar park is a fantastic productive use of the land which will create local jobs and contribute to Alberta’s emission reduction goals. The approval marks a significant milestone for the project and a critical step as the project advances towards start of construction.”

This announcement follows the recent Development Approval of DP Energy’s 430MW Callide Wind Farm, located in the Calliope Range in Queensland, Australia, and the commencement of Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) preparation for the 700MW Euston Wind Farm project in New South Wales, Australia, which is a critical step towards Development Approval.

In Ireland, DP Energy has an immediate pipeline of projects including:

  • Lyra Wind farm in Co. Mayo, which could generate up to 100MW
  • Aries Wind Farm, also located in Co. Mayo, with potential capacity for up to 50MW
  • Additional early-stage wind farms
  • A growing portfolio of solar projects in the 20MW to 50MW range
  • Early-stage projects involving non grid dependant renewable energy solutions for large energy users.

DP Energy continues to actively explore offshore renewable energy opportunities, including fixed bottom wind, floating wind and ocean energy technologies e.g. wave, around Ireland’s coast. The company also recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with a large Irish utility generator to explore using green hydrogen as a clean fuel to power existing and future electricity generating stations. DP Energy is researching battery storage and opportunities in international markets, aligning with an overall growth strategy which will see the company delivering projects in additional countries over the next few years.

 

Visit dpenergy.com to learn more about DP Energy

 To keep up to date on DP Energy activity, follow the organisation on:

 

X:                     @dpenergygroup

LinkedIn:         DP Energy Group

Instagram:       @dpenergygroup

 

HiDef appointed as Aerial Survey Contractors for Nova East Wind

Nova East Wind Inc., a Joint Venture partnership between DP Energy and SBM Offshore, has re-appointed HiDef Aerial Surveying Ltd. as its aerial survey provider.

The Joint Venture partnership announced its floating offshore wind farm development earlier this year which will supply renewable electricity to Nova Scotians. The 300–400 MW Nova East Wind project will be located approximately 20-30km off Goldboro, Nova Scotia. This first stepping-stone project will kickstart an exciting new industry in Nova Scotia, contributing to the province meeting its 2030 decarbonization goals.

HiDef has been carrying out monthly aerial surveys for Nova East Wind since October 2022, and this will now continue for a second year.  These surveys will provide insight into the abundance and distribution of birds, marine mammals, and other marine species in the proposed wind farm area.

Anne-Marie Belliveau, Nova East Wind Project Manager, said: “We are excited to continue working with HiDef for the delivery of the aerial surveys for Nova East Wind. The results from these surveys will help guide discussions with stakeholders and rights holders, optimize project design and allow the team to make informed decisions based on survey findings.”

Commenting on the appointment, Martin Scott, HiDef Managing Director said: “Providing clients with robust data to help understand the environment they are working in is key to us and we are proud to be part of this ground breaking Canadian project.”

An information session as well as an official project launch event took place earlier this year, with a project website now available at www.novaeastwind.ca.

DP Energy Australia to power up Euston, New South Wales, with new wind farm development

DP Energy Australia is pleased to announce a significant advancement in its nominally 700MW Euston Wind Farm project, located 8km north of Euston in New South Wales within the Balranald Local Government Area. Having recently received the Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) from the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, DP Energy has now commenced preparation of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) as a critical step towards Development Approval (DA).

Situated within the South-West Renewable Energy Zone (SW-REZ), the Euston Wind Farm aims to contribute to New South Wales’s climate action targets of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The project is expected to generate enough electricity to power up to 324,903 New South Wales homes, incorporating approximately 100 wind turbines and a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The project will contribute significantly to local development supporting jobs and local community programs.

DP Energy Australia’s Head of Projects, Hugh Cantwell, expressed enthusiasm about reaching this pivotal stage. “The receipt of the SEARs marks a key milestone in the Euston Wind Farm project, we are excited to be moving forward with this quality project which aligns well with the New South Wales Government’s goals to transform the electricity system into one that is affordable, clean, and reliable,” said Cantwell.

Jack Murphy, DP Energy Australia’s Environment and Development Manager, also commented on this milestone, saying, “As we move into the EIS phase, I am excited to further engage with the local community and the NSW Government. This project will play a crucial role in bolstering the NSW South-West Renewable Energy Zone and is a significant step toward Australia’s transition to achieving net-zero emissions.”

Established over 30 years ago, DP Energy has developed over 1GW of renewable energy projects across Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the UK to date and have a current project pipeline of over 9GW. DP Energy’s lead Australian projects include the 320MW Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park in South Australia and the 430MW Callide Wind Farm in Queensland.

A dedicated website for the Euston Wind Farm project has been updated with the latest information and can be accessed at www.eustonwindfarm.com.au

Stantec Appointed as Lead Environmental Consultant for Nova East Wind​

Nova East Wind Inc, a Joint Venture partnership between DP Energy and SBM Offshore, has appointed Stantec as its lead Environmental Consultant.

The Joint Venture partnership announced its floating offshore wind farm development earlier this year. The 300 to 400 MW Nova East Wind project is proposed to be located approximately 20 to 30km off Goldboro, Nova Scotia. This first stepping-stone project will kickstart an exciting new industry in Nova Scotia, contributing to the province meeting its 2030 decarbonization goals.

Stantec’s local Dartmouth office, supported by its expert subconsultants and regional colleagues, will lead on environmental appraisal and consenting for Nova East Wind.  As part of its work, Stantec will deliver a wide range of outputs including an Impact Statement to examine the potential impacts of the project on the surrounding environment including sea, land and wildlife and the human environment.

Anne-Marie Belliveau, Nova East Wind Project Manager, said: “This is a significant milestone for the Nova East Wind project, and we are delighted that the project will benefit from the expertise and experience offered by the Stantec team. With this key appointment, we are progressing on the path to deliver Nova East Wind and providing Nova Scotia with renewable power from Offshore Floating Wind.”

“This is an exciting time for us. We look forward to working alongside such important partners like DP Energy and SBM Offshore on this project,” said Dale Conroy, Stantec’s Project Director and Environmental Services Power Sector Leader in Canada. “As a global leader in the environmental consulting sector, our team is committed to delivering impact assessment services that will promote the sustainable nature of this strategic project and contribute to the development of clean energy in Canada.”

The project website is now available at www.novaeastwind.ca.

DP Energy Australia successfully awarded Development Approval for 430MW Callide Wind Farm, Queensland

DP Energy has been awarded Development Approval (DA) for its Callide Wind Farm project by the State Assessment Referral Agency.

The project, which will be located in the Calliope Range approximately 22km north north-east of Biloela and 75km west south-west of Gladstone and in the Banana Shire Council local government area, has the potential for a capacity of 430MW and is expected to produce enough energy to power around 130,000 average Queensland households.

The Callide Wind Farm will create direct employment opportunities during construction and operation, as well as indirect opportunities through increased demand for local products, materials, and services.

Commenting on the milestone, Hugh Cantwell, DP Energy Australia’s Head of Projects said: “We are delighted to have been awarded Development Approval for our Callide Wind Farm project in Queensland. This marks a significant milestone in the project’s lifecycle, and the DP Energy Australia team look forward to the next phases of the project, with the ultimate goal of creating a greener future for Queensland.”

Established over 30 years ago, DP Energy have developed over 1GW of built renewable energy projects across Australia, Canada, Ireland, and the UK and have a current project pipeline of over 9GW. DP Energy’s lead and announced Australian projects include the now operational 320MW Port Augusta Renewable Energy Park in South Australia, and the Euston Wind Farm project in New South Wales.

More information on the project is available at https://callidewindfarm.com.au/.

New intake of learners embark on industry-led course focused on careers in the Renewable Energy sector

Destination Renewables launched its second year this month at Pembrokeshire College and welcomed a new cohort of first year students onto the pioneering programme preparing learners for the future renewables’ job market.

EDF Renewables UK and DP Energy, the partners behind the Celtic Sea Gwynt Glas Floating Offshore Wind Farm, first joined forces with Pembrokeshire College in 2022 to establish Destination Renewables. The two year award winning programme transfers real-world sector knowledge to 16-18 year olds and aims to educate learners about low carbon technologies, including wave, tidal, onshore wind, solar and offshore wind and associated project development processes. The programme brings business leaders into the classroom to offer meaningful employer-to-learner engagement.

In its first year, the course engaged with over 90 learners and some 40 industry organisations came forward to participate in the programme. It was also awarded the ‘Offshore Wind Energy Skills accolade at the inaugural Renewables UK Offshore Wind Awards. The programme has been shortlisted for this award again this year and was shortlisted as a finalist in two Wales STEM Awards. The Wales STEM Awards shines a spotlight on businesses creating an impact on the Welsh economy, those addressing the STEM diversity gap and skills shortage, and those inspiring and raising aspirations of the next generation.

Mark Hazelton, Gwynt Glas Project Director said: “Destination Renewables is the first programme of its kind in Wales. It aims to inspire students to explore future career options in the renewable energy sector needed to build the net zero energy system of the future. We want to ensure that young people in Wales are aware of the opportunities and well placed to maximise the benefits from potential future floating offshore wind projects like Gwynt Glas that could be on their door step.”

Joshua Thomas second year Destination Renewables student at Pembrokeshire College said: “I signed up to Destination Renewables as I am concerned about climate change. I would love to work in the renewable energy sector following my studies. I hope that this course will help me stand out. I am most looking forward to meeting businesses, learning how they got to where they are now and finding out what I need to do to get there too.”

Arwyn Williams, Head of Faculty Engineering, Computing, 14-16, Quality Nominee and Strategic lead for Higher Education at Pembrokeshire College said: “It has been an incredible experience for the learners to have so much meaningful engagement with industry involved within this exciting sector.  The partnership with Gwynt Glas has enabled the college to connect with important players and we are very excited to embark on this next stage of the programme with the second cohort.”

There has been a real appetite and sense of excitement from learners and partners around this programme. The sessions have been a mix of interactive workshops, hands on activities, presentations, lectures and a site visits. This has been topped up by traditional classroom learning.

Learners are about to embark on their second year which involves an Extended Project Qualification.

Destination Renewables is a curriculum enrichment programme which culminates in an Extended Project Qualification (WJEC EPQ). This is in addition to learners Level 3 Qualification in Engineering, Business and Construction and can secure additional UCAS points.  The programme is underpinned by the Skills and Talent programme of the Swansea Bay City Deal, jointly funded by the Welsh and UK Governments, alongside private sector investment. Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum has supported the renewables industry to create a positive learner journey in the delivery of this private sector and education partnership.