Newquay's Simply Blue Energy has partnered with one of the world's largest energy companies to develop floating wind farms off the coast of Wales.
The partnership with Total will develop Erebus, a 96MW demonstration project moored in waters with a depth of 70m.
A Simply Blue spokesperson said that developing the Celtic Sea will contribute to the government's target of reaching net carbon zero by 2050.
The company has set up an office in Pembroke to work with the local supply chain on the project.
"With its entry into floating offshore wind, Total confirms its ambition to contribute to the development of renewable energy worldwide," said Total chief executive Patrick Pouyanné.
Sam Roch-Perks, managing director of Simply Blue Energy, added: "We are delighted to have signed the agreement with Total.
"Together we will progress the first stepping-stone projects that will allow the local supply chain to build up their capabilities to help deliver the larger projects that will be developed for the 2030s."
Welsh secretary Simon Hart said: "The development of a floating offshore wind project in Welsh waters would bring investment into the west of Wales and generate hundreds of high-quality jobs."
Lesley Griffiths, Welsh Government minister for environment, energy and rural affairs, said: "I'm very pleased to be able to welcome this announcement by Total and Simply Blue Energy – and am very happy to be able to welcome Total’s new investment to Wales, as they look to take part in this potentially far-reaching partnership within the floating offshore wind sector."
Mark Duddridge, chair of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Local Enterprise Partnership (CIOS LEP) said: "We are delighted that Simply Blue Energy, whose UK office is in the CIOS LEP Enterprise Zone at Newquay, have reached this agreement with Total to work together to develop floating offshore wind in the Celtic Sea."
