JBC sees major North West energy potential

The potential to develop the North West as a ‘renewable energy region’ is enormous and should be examined in detail in light of current energy costs. This was the theme of a ‘Renewable Energy Development Workshop’ that took place on 3 September 2008 in Derry City Council. The regional dinner was attended by Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness.

The event was co-organised by the North West Region Cross Border Groups (NWRCBG) which links local authorities on both sided of the border in the region.

The workshop considered planning, grid development and other challenges that need to be addressed if the region's considerable potential in terms of wind and other renewable energy sources is to be fully realised.

Those attending the workshop included JBC member companies, local elected representatives, government departments and agencies plus representatives of the third level sector. Expert speakers from companies included Airtricity, Rockall Marine, and Northern Ireland Electricity who addressed wind farm development and grid development issues. In addition, speakers from the Northern Ireland Department of the Environment and Donegal County Council outlined planning and statutory considerations relating to the development of the sector.

The North West is currently at a disadvantage relative to other areas due to a major infrastructural deficit of sources of energy supply. Future economic development and industrial growth of the region is dependent on the supply and reliability of readily available sources of energy. Rising energy costs and concerns regarding security of supply are placing Irish based companies at a major competitive disadvantage. National competitiveness and attainment of security of energy supply must be at the heart of any future energy strategy.

Mr McCabe said “Changing this mindset will take a determined effort on the part of the two governments working in partnership with business organisations. JBC has already stepped up to the plate, as have our two sponsor organisations, CBI and IBEC.”

In parallel with the single island electricity market, Mr McCabe called for a better link up between Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) and its counterparts in Northern Ireland.

Workshop presentation are available on request.

Pictured with Martin McGuinness MP MLA deputy First Minister at the regional dinner in advance of the renewable energy development workshop were Brian Ambrose, Chairman, CBI Northern Ireland, Declan McGrath, Renley Ltd and Chairman of JBC Steering Committee and Nigel Smyth, Director, CBI Northern Ireland

IBEC
Special EU Programmes Body
EU
CBI