L-R: Michael Walsh CEO IWEA; Minister Ryan;
John McCann, SEI |
Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources,
Eamon Ryan TD has launched the IWEA's comprehensive
new guidelines on best practice for on-shore wind projects
in Ireland.
Commenting, Minister Ryan said: "Government policy has
set ambitious, but technically sound, targets that one
third of our electricity requirements will be met by
renewables by 2020."
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The Minister added - "The recently-published all-island
grid study goes quite a way further, stating that it is technically
feasible to supply up to 42% of our power requirements from
renewable energy sources by the same date. The key to achieving
these targets will be the proper development of our wind energy
industry.
"These best practice guidelines are a proactive and
positive response from the industry itself to the challenges
it faces and will play a critical role in securing a green
energy future for Ireland."
Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of the Irish Wind Energy Association
(IWEA), said - "With over 1,000 megawatts of wind power already
connected on the island of Ireland, the wind energy industry
has already invested over €1 billion in generation capacity.
However, the wind industry is planning the private investment
of between €4 billion and €6 billion in wind power over the
next ten years. This will require a total annual investment
of over €500 million, creating an additional 3000 jobs."
Mr. Walsh added - "The launch of these Guidelines ahead of
our national Conference next week (Click
Here) sets the agenda for long-term sustainable development
of wind power on this island."
Mr. Walsh's remarks were echoed by John McCann, Sustainable
Energy Ireland's Wind Energy Programme Manager. "Sustainable
Energy Ireland welcomes the publication of the Irish Wind
Energy Association Best Practice Guidelines. The development
of these guidelines was part-funded under SEI's Renewable
Energy Research Development and Demonstration programme. We
believe that the guidelines demonstrate the wind energy sector's
commitment to protecting the environment, while developing
Ireland's wind energy potential."
The 74-page Best Practice Guidelines are aimed at commercial
on-shore wind farms and address the main issues which developers
face - providing practical guidance and recommendations to
ensure responsible and sensitive wind farm developments.
The Guidelines detail standards which the wind energy industry
sets itself and includes consultation with local communities,
planners and other interested groups at different stages during
the development process.
The Best Practice Guidelines provide detailed recommendations
for the different stages in the development of a wind farm
project - including feasibility assessment, wind monitoring
and analysis, wind farm layout, environmental impact assessment
and planning, contract and construction, health and safety,
operation and maintenance and decommissioning or re-powering.
The Best Practice Guidelines for the Irish Wind Energy Industry
have been produced by the Irish Wind Energy Association -
with support from Sustainable Energy Ireland.
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