Economic impact of green energy on Welsh ports.

Descriptions

Economic impact of green energy on Welsh ports.The objective of this research is to assess the potential to gain net economic benefits through developments at or near Welsh ports aimed at facilitating transport and related activities associated with new energy developments (for example, off-shore wind, tidal range and wave and tidal stream).The methodology will involve creating a baseline, drawing on an assessment of the economic impact of ports in Wales on the basis of “business as usual”. In doing this it may be appropriate to consider a range of scenarios. It is expected that key metrics will include gross value added and jobs. The study will need to consider effects that are both direct and indirect, and both positive and negative. Gross and net effects will also need to be considered. Having established the baseline assessment, the study will, in consultation with the client, review likely developments in the energy supply field that may impact upon Welsh ports. The contractor will be expected to assess the potential implications for Welsh ports, including in particular the opportunities for Welsh ports to gain new business (via manufacturing, assembly and construction, pre-commercial development / R&D and servicing and maintenance). The overall economic impacts of such new business will be assessed, again including effects that are both direct and indirect, both positive and negative, and both gross and net. The contractor will then review any barriers that have been identified which may inhibit the gaining of economic benefits, and propose steps that could be taken to remove or reduce such barriers.The contractor will be expected to review, in particular, extant suggestions and proposals for port-related developments associated with the energy sector. These include:-deep water port development in Pembrokeshire, Anglesey and Port Talbot;-port developments associated with Severn Tidal Power options (where any work will need to have regard to the emerging conclusions of the wider study into Severn Tidal Power)-the potential of other ports to exploit opportunities associated with new energy developments (e.g. nuclear). There is a requirement for the outputs of the study to inform the assessment of potential bids for central government funding. This relates to the competition for up to £60m of funds to develop sites close to ports that will support manufacturing for the offshore wind industry which was announced by the Chancellor in the budget.Expressions of interest should be completed via the attached form and returned to the address given at Section 1 of this notice. The deadline for receipts of completed forms is 12 noon on Monday 7 June 2010.