Land-zoning issues to become next 'crisis' for wind energy projects

The de-zoning of areas which were previously designated for renewable energy development has deepened the industry's planning woes

Statkraft Ireland plans for a site designated for wind energy development were refused as ‘the area was re-zoned due to local political pressure'. Picture: File

Ireland’s embattled wind energy sector is expected to face further headaches due to an upcoming “crisis” over land-zoning issues.

Local councillors have allegedly been de-zoning areas previously designated for onshore renewable energy development, leading to planning refusal for some developers looking to get projects off the ground in certain areas.