The economic spotlight was fixed firmly on the Milford Haven Waterway when Pembrokeshire's growing energy sector dominated discussions at a Wales in London Event last week.

Secretary of State for Wales David Jones MP set out his clear objective for the growth of the Welsh economy and the vital role that the energy industry plays in achieving this goal.

He said: “The energy facilities based along the Milford Haven Waterway play a vital role in the success of the Welsh economy and it is essential that an ongoing working relationship between the UK and Welsh Governments continues to support the development of this area.”

The event, at London's Globe Theatre, was sponsored by the recently formed Haven Energy Forum, comprising Milford Haven Port Authority, Valero Refinery, Murco Refinery, South Hook LNG, Dragon LNG, SemLogistics and RWE Generation’s Pembroke Power Station.

The Haven Energy Forum, which aims to share best practice in the enhancement of environmental safety, used the event to underline the importance of the Haven as a driver for economic success.

Milford Haven Port chief executive Alec Don said: "Milford Haven handles and manufactures 30% of the UK’s liquid fuel energy products. It is making a significant contribution to the UK’s economy not to mention the security of the country’s energy needs. “In the last six years, the port has been able to attract in excess of £3billion of private sector investment, which has not only underpinned diversity in energy mix, but by extension, an industry that is collectively supporting over 10,000 jobs across the UK."

He added: “The energy manufacturing operations located on the Haven by themselves account for a staggering 20% of Wales’ exports. The importance of the continued investment by these businesses to maintain safe and environmentally responsible economic assets for UK PLC cannot be underestimated.”