The Cornwall Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) Commission convened industry leaders and government officials at Falmouth Harbour this week to tackle barriers to port expansion blocking FLOW investment into the region.
The meeting took place on the 4th of September to build on the strong foundation of collaboration in the region, to identify shared opportunities to develop port infrastructure and catalyse regional transformation. It focused on the theme of ‘unlocking the region’s port potential’ and worked to identify financial and non-financial solutions to support FLOW deployment at scale.
“There have been tremendous strides in recent months towards a new FLOW industry that delivers significant value to Cornwall” said Jan Ward CBE, Chair of the Cornwall FLOW Commission ahead of the summit. “With developments such as the announcement of the winners of The Crown Estate’s Leasing Round 5 competition, we are closer than ever to realising our vision. Our success though hinges on ensuring that our ports are ready to support the opportunities ahead, and that’s exactly what this meeting seeks to address.”
The meeting builds on the first convened meeting of the Cornwall FLOW Commission in December 2024 which produced an unprecedented Statement of Common Ground. The statement affirmed that co-location of standard fishing practices within FLOW sites is currently unviable. There is a strong will to address this in the longer term through cross-sector co-creation, ecosystem design, and shared data transparency. In bringing FLOW industry, fishing industry and environmental authorities together to acknowledge the current position and consider future ambitions, the meeting marked progress towards greater strategic alignment in the region. The Cornwall FLOW Commission intend for this summit to yield similar results by supporting a bold new plan to get Cornwall’s ports future-ready, co-developed by key regional decision makers.
“Our focus on partnership, place-based solutions, and a clear-eyed view of delivery has positioned Cornwall as a leader in the UK’s clean energy future” said Cllr Rory Gow, representing Cornwall Council on the Commission. “The Commission is ensuring Cornwall is not only capitalising on the opportunities presented by this burgeoning new industry, but helping to shape national action.”
The Cornwall FLOW Commission, alongside Cornwall Council and Celtic Sea Power, recently hosted a successful visit by Sarah Jones MP, Minister of State for Industry, to Cornwall on the 21st of May 2025, to learn first-hand about the region’s FLOW ambitions. Following the visit, the Minister welcomed Cornwall’s readiness status and leadership in FLOW strategy, reinforcing Cornwall’s critical role in supporting the UK’s clean energy targets.
About the Cornwall FLOW Commission
Since becoming operational in October 2024, the Cornwall FLOW Commission has:
· Convened the December 2024 stakeholder workshop, resulting in a landmark Statement of Common Ground.
· Hosted a Ministerial Visit in May 2025, showcasing Cornwall’s readiness and strategic alignment with UK industrial priorities.
· Set the agenda for the upcoming September 2025 Ports Convened Meeting, ensuring stakeholder input drives solutions for infrastructure delivery.
Commissioners representing Cornwall Council, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), The Crown Estate, and appointed independent experts continue to guide its work. Supported by Celtic Sea Power as Secretariat, the Commission plays a pivotal role in convening key voices, aligning local and national ambitions, and overcoming complex challenges across regulation, ecology, and investment.
Going forward, the Commission’s work will continue to build the conditions necessary for successful FLOW deployment, including:
· Shaping best-practice engagement protocols across sectors.
· Driving forward discussions on international marine governance.
· Working with national stakeholders to ensure “no-regrets” infrastructure investment.
For information on the Cornwall FLOW Commission or upcoming meeting, contact:
Matt Hodson
Secretariat, Cornwall FLOW Commission
