Wind energy sector calls for government backing

THOUSANDS of jobs could be created and 40% of our long-term energy needs met by wind energy if Government backs the sector.

Five leading wind energy players in Ireland have lined up over more than €4 billion in investments to spearhead the initiative but they lack a commitment from the Government to put an expanded grid in place which would cost about €1bn.

The cost of energy is rising, but if Eirgrid bore the cost of extending the grid it would mean more pay back to Eirgrid as well as cheaper energy in the long term.

For the economy it will mean fixed energy costs for 40% of its energy as well as security of supply.

The announcement was made by the five companies at the launch of NOW Ireland, which want to see the State fully support their initiative.

Offshore wind can generate large volumes of electrical power from green, renewable and indigenous resources, said Brian Britton, secretary of the new organisation.

Mr Britton yesterday called for a “cost benefit analysis to be carried out”.

Ireland is facing charges of up to €260m for our current failure to meet the Kyoto targets.

“We want to sit down as a lobby group with the powers that be and explain the efficiencies that wind can achieve,” Mr Britton said.

“Investment is being hampered due to the lack of a clear and coherent government policy on offshore wind. This stands in marked contrast to other countries throughout the EU that have actively promoted offshore wind as a key component of their energy strategy,” he said.