This week in Parliament, I was delighted to speak in a parliamentary debate led by my Cornish colleague, Jayne Kirkham MP, on a subject of critical importance to Cornwall and the UK: Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) technology in the Celtic Sea. That four of the five backbench speakers in the debate were Cornish MPs sent a strong signal to Government – we recognise the vast potential of this industry, and want to see Cornwall a champion of the supply chain of FLOW technology, turbocharging the UK’s clean energy transition.

Cornwall’s deep maritime heritage and strategic location uniquely positions us to be at the forefront of the FLOW industry. The Port of Falmouth, with its deep-water access and existing infrastructure, is central to this vision, and I am proud to support Jayne Kirkham MP in championing the port’s critical role in this emerging industry. With 4.5GW of FLOW capacity envisioned in this region, we can power millions of homes with clean energy while creating up to 5,300 jobs and delivering £1-billion to the Celtic Sea economy, over a third of which could accrue to Cornwall.

We are already making progress. I welcome the Crown Estate’s Supply Chain Accelerator Fund, which awarded five of its thirteen grants to Cornish projects: NERF, Tardra, TugDock, Celtic Sea Power, and Blue Abyss, an innovative company in my constituency near Newquay Airport. These grants highlight the innovation flourishing across Cornwall and lay the foundation for our region’s leadership in renewable energy.

However, achieving the full potential of FLOW requires strategic coordination and investment. Upgrades to Cornwall’s infrastructure—particularly road, rail, and grid connections—are essential. Equally critical is the development of a skilled local workforce in maritime engineering, fabrication, and supply chain logistics. Institutions like Falmouth Maritime School and Cornwall College are already making strides, but they need sustained support to scale up their training programmes and prepare young people for the high-value careers this industry offers. These great teaching institutions that we have in Cornwall are a critical part of ensuring that the benefits of this industry flow to the next generation of Cornish workers, rather than upcountry or offshore.

We must also balance the needs of other sectors, particularly Cornwall’s fishing communities. Currently, there is no cohesive spatial strategy for the Celtic Sea. A comprehensive consultation with fishers, conservationists, and scientists is urgently needed to ensure that renewable energy development respects existing livelihoods and our marine environment. I am working in my capacity as a Member of the Fisheries All-Party Parliamentary Group to ensure those conversations move forward.

The development of FLOW in the Celtic Sea is about more than energy—it is an opportunity to revitalise our communities, reduce regional inequalities, and establish Cornwall as a global leader in renewable technology. To achieve this, we need a clear and unified strategy that brings together government, industry, and our educational institutions. With the right leadership and investment, we can harness this once-in-a-generation opportunity to deliver a sustainable and prosperous future for our nation.

Noah Law

Labour MP for St Austell and Newquay