Port in 'pole position for renewable energy investment'

In the UK, Milford Haven Port is looking to push plans that will attract new renewable energy and biomass businesses, after it reported 2010 as a strong year from the clean gas and oil activities.

In its annual report released on 1 June 2011 Milford Haven Port, which handles a fifth of the UK's fuel needs, reported increased revenues of almost 20% throughout 2010. Profits also rose by more than two thirds.

'We are now in a solid position to deliver a programme of sustained investment in port infrastructure and services, with a heavy focus on emerging renewable energy technology,' says Alec Don, CEO at Milford Haven Port. 'Most importantly, as Britain's third largest port, we are now where we should be; our key role is to be a driver for economic growth, both nationally and regionally, contributing to the creation of secure long-term employment.'

Of the 42.9 million tonnes of throughput that the port handled during 2010, 31.4 million tonnes of this comprised oil products, while 10.5 million tonnes was gas, including LNG. Together this represents approximately 20% of the UK's energy products throughput.

'The challenge we face is to extend beyond our traditional market of clean energy from fossil fuels into new trades including participating in the green energy revolution,' Don continues.

In order to achieve these goals, the port is undertaking a number of new products. In Blackbridge, the development of a new deepwater terminal is progressing. Upon completion it will feature various renewable energy projects. As Don explains: 'It has all the attributes necessary for a successful commercial development, offering the opportunity for straightforward connection to over 2GW of spare capacity on the national grid and substantial sites for power generation, cargo handling and processing served by berths with 17m depth of water.'

And at Pembroke Port, renewable energy initiatives are also being developed.

'The legacy of oil refining and the skills it has fostered, coupled with existing high capacity pipelines and electricity grid links, is what puts the port in pole position for renewable energy investment.'