Wind exports could feed EU demand
However, delegates attending the first day of the Irish Wind Energy Association’s annual conference in Dublin were also told that public acceptability is the main challenge to such a new export industry thriving here.
Andrew Garrad, president of the European Wind Energy Association and chairman of international renewable energy consultancy, GL Garrad Hassan, said Ireland has the potential to create a jobs-rich export industry.
He said the industry will result in security of energy supply and the creation of low-carbon electricity; but he said we still lack industrial infrastructure, interconnection and a consistent policy framework.
Gabriel D’Arcy, chief executive of Bord na Mona, likened Ireland’s wind energy export potential to the country’s food export sector, in that Ireland creates more than is needed and can export it to countries who have to import theirs.
“The issue isn’t availability — we have the market and the raw materials — but acceptability; that’s the biggest challenge facing this new industry and legitimate concerns need to be addressed,” he said.
“The issue is to convey the message and the reality to the majority of people who haven’t a clue where their electricity comes from and where they’re going to get it, in the future, when energy depletion becomes a bigger problem,” he added.
The IWEA launched a recent poll resulting in an 80% support rate of wind power amongst the public.
It also launched its Best Practice Principles: Community Engagement & Community Commitment policy document that members are encouraged to follow. IWEA chief Kenneth Matthews said it is “essential” that local communities are engaged and consulted with regarding wind farm policy.
Pat Rabbitte, the energy minister, also announced changes to the Refit scheme, which is designed to boost the development of wind farms providing “green energy” to the National Grid.
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