Earlier this year, leading renewable energy firm RWE npower Renewables published a report looking into the potential of developing a wind farm in the Bristol Channel.

Yesterday a spokesman for the Welsh Assembly Government said Welsh ports in the Bristol Channel including Swansea and Port Talbot were well placed to benefit.

If it is given the go-ahead, RWE is hoping to develop a large-scale offshore wind farm in the Bristol Channel known as the Atlantic Array, which would consist of 187-416 turbines.

The Welsh Assembly Government has commissioned a study on how ports can take advantage of such developments.

A spokesman for the Assembly said: “DTZ, who have been chosen to carry out the study, will look at the needs of low-carbon energy generators and the potential of Welsh ports to meet these needs.

“Our Wales Energy Strategy: A Low Carbon Revolution sets out how developing the supply chain, enhancing our skills base and developing our research capabilities is one of the key factors in ensuring greater energy efficiency.

“We anticipate that, should a project like Atlantic Array proceed and gain the relevant consents, that some of the construction, deployment and maintenance activities would be centred at Welsh ports.”

RWE’s scoping report provides an overview of the project, site, surrounding area and potential impacts.

According to the report, the scheme may take between four and six years to construct, and the chosen ports used as the base for construction will play a key role in development.

A spokesperson for Associated British Ports, which owns the Swansea port, said the organisation could not comment as the Atlantic Array was in such an early stage of development.

Robert Thornhill, RWE npower renewables development manager for the Atlantic Array scheme, said it was a large project which would require a capital investment in excess of £4.5 billion.

He said: “In order to construct the wind farm we will require the use of a port located in the area surrounding the Bristol Channel. A number of ports exist on the South Wales and South West English coasts that may be suitable for many of the construction activities for the project, and we are currently assessing a number of facilities, including those located in South Wales.

“The annual electricity generation expected at the Atlantic Array site would be equivalent to the domestic needs of more than one million average UK households, which is equivalent to around 90 per cent of the domestic electricity consumption for Wales.”

rupert.hall@swwmedia.co.uk