Agencies back plans for €85m green energy plant

PROPOSALS to build an €85 million power plant in Shannon, Co Clare, has received a favourable response in the region since a presentation to local councillors.

The project could see the creation of hundreds of jobs.

Carbon Sole Group proposes a 60-70MWh combined heat and power plant (CHP), possibly on airport lands, using bio-energy and producing green energy.

The company has spent three years looking been looking at suitable locations for carbon-free energy generation plants and has identified suitable sites in the Shannon area, including on airport lands.

Carbon Sole Group chief executive Sean Daly briefed Shannon Town Council and the Shannon Electoral Area Committee on his company’s proposal last month.

He told them similar systems in Sweden have resulted in an increase in gross domestic product of 48% as well as a 48% reduction in carbon emissions in a 10 to 12-year period.

Shannon Chamber of Commerce chief Helen Downes has now described the proposal as an “appealing concept”.

“Any project of scale, especially in the sustainable energy sector, that could have wider socio-economic impacts on Shannon in terms of sustainable energy and employment has to be considered for its dual merits.

“Such a project, if proved viable and sustainable, has the potential to add to Shannon’s and the region’s competitive advantage.

“Reduced energy costs would lead to lower operating costs at a business level and affordable prices for the residential community. It could be a contributor to Ireland attaining its energy efficiency levels, and an attractor of a new wave of investment to Shannon.”

The Limerick-Clare Energy Agency also welcomed the plan.

Manager Pat Stephens said: “Shannon Town, the industrial and business parks, have been recognised for some time as ideal locations for the development of a biomass CHP plant and district heating network.

“Several energy service companies have expressed some interest in establishing such a plant. The Limerick-Clare Energy Agency would support this type of development for the county.”

Councillors in the area have also welcomed news of the plan.

Sinn Féin councillor Cathy McCafferty said: “This would be a great project for the local community because it will be green energy and very importantly there will be jobs for the area and no doubt a further off-shoot of jobs as well. I am backing this 100%.”