THE Cornwall Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) Commission has formally commenced operations with the appointment of Jan Ward CBE as Chair.

Recognising that there are multiple key stakeholders, policymakers, legislators and regulators with influence on the success of Celtic Sea FLOW, the Commission is designed to bring these together into one forum. The Commission will work with these stakeholders to overcome challenges facing the successful roll out of FLOW.

The Commission forms a key part of the Level 2 devolution deal between Cornwall Council and Government, agreed in November 2023. It has been mobilised by Celtic Sea Power (who will act as the Secretariat) on behalf of the Council and initially funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

Having played a significant role in its development, Cornwall Council, the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and The Crown Estate maintain standing membership of the Commission, nominating senior level representatives to the group.

They are joined by independent commissioners appointed following a recruitment process, including:

The Commission held its first meeting in October 2024, where initial areas of focus were discussed. The first meeting of convened stakeholders is scheduled before the end of the year.

Jan Ward, chair of the Commission, said, “The Cornwall FLOW Commission is now operational and intends to work in close collaboration with key stakeholders in Cornwall, the South West of England and Wales. We look forward to working with all stakeholders across the region to influence the future of FLOW in the region.

“This comes at a crucial time, as The Crown Estate has set a target of achieving up to 4.5GW of FLOW in this region by 2035, with future potential of up to 12GW of offshore wind capacity in the Celtic Sea already identified.”

Cllr Martin Worth, Cornwall Council Cabinet member with responsibility for the customers portfolio, represents the authority on the Commission.

He said: “The Commission starting its work is a real step forward towards harnessing clean energy from floating offshore wind technology, and I look forward to working with our partners to make this a reality which will see Cornwall placed at the heart of the UK’s renewable energy generation.

“This will not only help with our commitment to creating a net-zero Cornwall but will also provide a significant and sustainable boost for the whole Cornish economy.”

Tim Stiven, director of Linear Assets and New Energies at The Crown Estate, and standing member of the Cornwall FLOW Commission, said: “The advent of new floating offshore wind technology presents a range of exciting opportunities for communities in Cornwall and around the wider Celtic Sea region.

“The Crown Estate's leasing process creates the foundations for economic growth, but it's just one part of a much bigger jigsaw, involving communities, industry, governments, environmental bodies and a wide range of other interested parties.

“The Cornwall FLOW Commission is a really distinctive initiative by the County, and brings these important voices together to help address shared challenges and ensure the region seizes the opportunities on offer. We are delighted to be invited to have the chance to contribute to the Commission's work in this way.”