‘Make or break’ for green economy

THIS is a “make or break year” for Ireland’s bid to create a smart green economy.

This is according to the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA), which said the next nine months will prove crucial for the Irish energy sector as national targets of delivering 40% of electricity from renewable resources by 2020 hinge on the Government eliminating “unnecessary red tape and providing a stable framework for investors in 2010”.

Ireland’s largest renewable energy conference, organised by the IWEA, takes place on Thursday and Friday at Dublin’s Four Seasons Hotel, where delegates will be told that the country’s opportunities from wind energy are threatened by an overcomplicated and unstable policy framework.

Irish Wind Energy Association chief executive Dr Michael Walsh said: “2010 will be a make or break year for the Irish energy sector as decisions and plans that are made this year will have a far-reaching impact.

“We stand on the precipice of a very significant economic and sustainable energy opportunity.

“The importance of the green economy has been repeatedly stressed by the Government in statements from the 2008 Framework for Sustainable Economic Renewal to last year’s Revised Programme for Government.

“However, our members are growing frustrated at the increasingly difficult investment environment, which is complicated by a lack of co-ordination between official agencies.”