Vaughan Gething MS, Minister for Economy
The acquisition of the former BP Chemicals site at Baglan Bay presents Welsh Government with the opportunity to bring forward a major strategic development site. This site has the potential to help transform the region’s economic base from heavy industry to the industries of the future such as high value manufacturing and green energy production in line with our Manufacturing Action Plan. It will also support our net zero opportunities in South West Wales and beyond.
The land has huge potential to align with Welsh Government’s Wellbeing of Future Generation goals by supporting the delivery of high-quality and productive jobs and opportunities for research and development, and creating inclusive opportunities for local people which reduce existing inequalities.
Work is already underway to address the challenges associated with the historical use of the site and consultation with local stakeholders and community groups will take place once plans for phasing, delivery and initial master-planning work has been undertaken.
Strategic engagement with Celtic Freeport, industry and academia is also underway. This is in recognition of the potential role the land has to play to exploit the opportunities that exist in hydrogen and floating offshore wind in order to transition at pace towards a net zero economy here in Wales.