Welsh Marine Renewable Infrastructure Study

To follow on from MRESF, the Welsh Government has commenced the Marine Renewable Infrastructure Study. This involves preparation of a number of options for marine energy development and particularly the associated marine infrastructure that needs to be provided to support energy developers. In understanding the ‘Infrastructure’ required, we need to consider everything that supports the actual energy generators themselves, ranging from foundations, moorings, navigational marks and lights, cables, connecting hubs, communications, landfall and grid connection, highway access, ports services and even proximity to demand and consenting requirements.

 Stage 1 – We will engage with stakeholders to identify industry needs. In order to promote discussion we have proposed a number of alternative non-site-specific development concepts that could be used to support the Marine Renewables Industry. These could be small scale test facilities for single devices, multi-device arrays, or full-scale commercial deployment sites. These outline concept proposals cover both wave and tidal energy. Stage 1 is due to be completed in February 2012.

 Stage 2 – Having determined industry requirements and understood the appetite for provision of infrastructure to support marine energy development, the second phase will consider the MRESF data in detail to allow us to find suitable sites for the short-listed development concepts within Welsh Waters, taking into account energy resources, grid connection and landfall arrangements, environmental sensitivities, consenting requirements, local ports and supply chain. It is anticipated that the project will recommend one or several individual projects within specified deployment zones to be taken forward to more detailed feasibility studies and eventual construction. The final report is due for delivery by our consultant, Halcrow, in May 2012.

 How you can help

We are keen to understand the infrastructure requirements of the marine renewable energy industry going forward. In order to ensure that the project meets the needs of the marine renewables industry, our consultant, Halcrow, is consulting with industry and interested parties during these initial stages. If you would like to take part in the study, whether you are a device developer, part of a potential supply-chain to construct devices, a provider of support services, or if you are just interested in what we are doing and would like further information, please contact our project manager Chris Green at greenca@halcrow.com

To download a newsletter on the Marine Renewable Infrastructure Study Click here