Wind could meet 35% of energy needs - report

Wind energy could supply over one-third of the energy needs for the island of Ireland in 14 years time, a study published today has suggested.

At today's annual conference of the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) delegates will hear that an all-island grid study has indicated wind generated power could provide 8,000 megawatts by 2020, enough to supply 35 per cent of the island's energy.

The study - Wind Energy for the 21st Century- was conducted by energy regulators on both sides of the Border because of the intention of the Irish and British governments to develop an all-island sustainable energy market over the coming years.

Tim Cowhig, chairman of IWEA, said the all-island grid project is "a very positive scenario as far as we are concerned and it augurs well for wind energy in Ireland, if implemented".

The conference heard from Dr Ronan Doherty, technical assistant of the all-island grid project, who said it was essential that future energy needs were provided by a number of sources.

However, it was stressed that wind energy should be shown more respect by outside parties such as the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER).

Dave O'Connor of Hibernian Wind Power, said that wind was still seen as "part of the problem rather than part of the solution," by the CER.

"When you look at rising oil prices and the absolute certainty that supplies are rapidly being exhausted and combine that with the issue of global warming, then the case for expanding wind power in Ireland is obvious," Mr O'Connor added.

Earlier in the week it was announced that an €85 million windfarm is to be setup off the coast of Co Louth.

The Clogherhead windfarm will have the potential to supply energy to customers on both sides of the Border, and its first phase is expected to be completed by 2009.