Farmers urged to farm the wind
ICOS, the umbrella body for co-ops, has announced that it wants to promote the development of the renewable sustainable energy potential of the north-west border region.
It recommends the setting up of a framework to encourage and inform co-operatives, the community and farmers of the benefits of rural-owned and controlled energy production.
It suggests a co-operative structure should be set up to facilitate a joint ownership model.
ICOS Rural Development Committee chairman Padraig Gibbons said , the majority of wind farm developments in recent years have involved the farmer in some type of leasing arrangement with a private developer.
Unfortunately, this type of wind farm ownership results in the vast majority of the profits of the enterprise being returned to outside investors.
Mr Gibbons said the co-operative movement is quite prepared to consider becoming lead partners in any initiative that will serve to protect the livelihoods of its members, suppliers and customers. On a national level, the project will contribute to reducing green house gas emissions and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
“It will also contribute to the process of integrating wind energy into the psyche of rural dwellers, as a positive contributor to their, and the local community’s, well being,” he said.
