Industry leaders and policy makers discussed the “pivotal role” that Ireland can play in the EU’s transition to a greener future during a conference this week in the European Parliament.
"Powering up Europe: Ireland's offshore wind potential” was the title of the event, streamed online, which Ireland South MEP Sean Kelly hosted in partnership with wind generating company SSE.
"The EU is currently undergoing an ambitious systemic change in how we produce, consume and store energy. Although this will mean fundamental changes for Ireland, we also have the opportunity to be at the very heart of Europe’s energy transition,” Kelly said.
"Ireland's extensive coastline and strong winds present us with a unique advantage in harnessing clean and renewable energy sources. By scaling up our offshore wind capacity, we can not only contribute substantially to our domestic energy needs but also play a pivotal role in helping the EU meet its ambitious climate and energy targets,” he said.
However, Kelly said there was also a need for expediency.
“ We still face major barriers to getting projects to the generation phase, most notably the extensive time taken for projects to get approved. This must be addressed immediately if we are to stay on track. This means simply more skilled personnel and more resources to planning authorities so that we can reduce the unnecessary significant delays,” he said.
SSE chief executive officer Alistair Phillips-Davies said the discussion in the European Parliament highlighted that “with the right policies and infrastructure in place delivered through cooperation across the EU and through the North Seas Energy Cooperation (NSEC) initiative, Ireland can become an offshore wind hub, powering Europe’s energy and climate goals”.
Speakers at the event included Ambassador Barbara Cullinane – Ireland; Stefano Grassi – Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Simson; SSE chief executive Alistair Phillips-Davies; Sonya Twohig – Secretary General ENTSO-E; and Kristian Ruby – Secretary General Eurelectric.
The conference can be viewed below