Celtic Freeport launches and could bring 11,500 new jobs to Pembrokeshire

The freeport, which covers the ports at Milford Haven and Port Talbot, is set to play a key role in the UK Government's economic growth mission. It is expected to attract GBP8.4 billion of private and public investment, create 11,500 new jobs, and add GBP8.1 billion of economic value to the local economy. The freeport spans clean energy developments, fuel terminals, a power station, heavy engineering, and the steel industry across south west Wales.

Businesses within the freeport area are offered significant UK Government and Welsh Government tax breaks and customs exemptions to encourage investment and growth. The Celtic Freeport opened for business in November 2024 and is supported by GBP26 million of UK Government investment. It has now been officially launched at an event in Cardiff, attended by the secretary of state for Wales Jo Stevens, and Rebecca Evans, cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning.

Ms Stevens said: "This government has a Plan for Change focused on delivering economic growth and ensuring that the UK is a renewable energy superpower. "This announcement is a significant step towards achieving those ambitions. "The Celtic Freeport will create up to 11,500 well-paid, highly skilled jobs and could leverage up to GBP8.4bn in investment."

Ms Evans said: "The official opening of the Celtic Freeport sends another clear signal to the world that the industrial heartlands of south Wales are a vital cog in the growth and future prosperity of the UK's low-carbon economy. "We are already seeing a real appetite across the region and beyond to make the most of the skills and job opportunities that this new industrial age will provide." Following the success of the launch event, Luciana Ciubotariu, CEO of Celtic Freeport, said: "The Celtic Freeport is taking significant strides forward with key milestones secured such as the planning consents for the LanzaTech's sustainable aviation fuel production plants and RWE's Pembroke Green Hydrogen plant.

"These Celtic Freeport partner initiatives, coupled with investments in battery energy storage by RWE and port infrastructure at Port Talbot, are accelerating South Wales' reindustrialisation and driving a decarbonised economy rich in evolving and new industries."

The Celtic Freeport's vision is to create a green investment and innovation corridor that will drive inward investment, skills development, and national decarbonisation.