Renewable power 'could provide 42%' of Irish needs

Renewable power could deliver up to 42 per cent of energy needs on the island of Ireland, delegates at a conference in Belfast were told today.

Speaking at the first All-Island Wind Energy Conference, Dr Michael Walsh, CEO of the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA), claimed renewable energy - including wind, solar and wave - holds the key to independent power, lower energy costs for households and business, and greater economic competitiveness.

“The challenge facing the energy community, and our governments and regulators, is to unlock the full potential of renewable energy sources on the island of Ireland, which is one of the best available anywhere on the planet, to benefit everyone,” said Dr Walsh.

“This demands practical visible action, including investment in network connectivity allowing wind and other renewable energy sources to connect to the all island grid, and a radical re-examination of how we manage energy systems to accommodate and exploit ever increasing amounts of renewable power.”

“The all-island grid study published earlier this year clearly demonstrates the potential to incorporate increasing quantities of renewable power - up to 42 per cent of our power needs. We believe that the potential for wind is even higher and represents the next great revolution in energy generation and use,” added Dr Walsh.

Set against a climate of soaring energy prices and problems in controlling carbon emissions, the IWEA conference is intended to examine ways to accelerate the incorporation of renewable power into overall energy requirements.

Delegates at today’s conference will also be addressed by Patrick Haren, deputy chairman, Viridian Group, and Iain Osborne, CEO, Northern Ireland Authority for Utility Regulation.