Energy projects large and small 'could boost economy'

Wales will not be able to catch up with England economically unless it is more ambitious, a top economist has warned.

There is "little evidence" that devolution has had much effect on the Welsh economy, warns Prof Gerry Holtham in his report.

The value of the goods and services from Wales was 72.4% of the UK average in 1999 and was 72.2%, 13 years later.

Prof Holtham says the nation needs a strategy rather than "vague aspirations".

The report has been produced for the think-tank, the Institute of Welsh Affairs (IWA), where Prof Holtham - a former Welsh government adviser - is chairman of its economy group.

The Welsh government said since devolution, household income in Wales has risen faster than the UK average, exports had doubled and inward investment into Wales was at a record level.

Prof Holtham said energy projects of different sizes were one way of boosting the Welsh economy.