State stresses commitment to green energy as limit enforced

THE Government yesterday insisted it was committed to trebling Ireland’s green energy output by 2005 as outraged wind farm providers demanded the ESB National Grid reverse its decision to halt new power connections to the grid.

The energy regulator’s office said the short-term pause on wind connectors to the grid followed concerns about the stability and security of wind-powered systems.

The unprecedented emergency measure was approved by regulator Tom Reeves shortly before Minister for Communications and Natural Resources Dermot Ahern welcomed a Government decision to extend ESB relief for new AER (alternative energy requirements) projects.