News about Solar, Wind and alternative green power technologies

Exciting news over in Ireland, where developments are afoot to bring renewable energy to the fore. This month planning permission was finally granted for an impressive power link between Ireland and Wales, via a submarine line running under the Irish Sea. The cables will run for 110 miles, and provide a clear link between power output points in both Ireland and the United Kingdom.

There is a massive $880 million invested in this project. The interconnector that passes between the two countries should, it is foreseen, provide enough electricity to power 300,000 Irish homes. What is perhaps even more encouraging is the fact that the project is part sponsored and financed by the state owned energy company EirGrid. The other chunk of money involved in this massive project comes from the European Union. In other words, it seems that the issue of renewable energy is finally being faced by people with money and political weight to boot.

The whole thing obviously gives Ireland security when it comes to energy. If there ever were a need for a boost in Ireland’s electricity for example, then all the Irish government would have to do is call upon the significantly greater potential afforded by the United Kingdom. This allows for more flexibility, and perhaps even more careful sharing of energy between the two countries. Who knows?

The massive Swedish engineering firm ABB secured the contract. They have a great history in large, important projects, and this one should be something they are comfortable with. Work is scheduled to begin in 2010, and is expected to last two years.

Ireland’s problem is the fact that it is highly dependent on fossil fuels. An energy group recently stated that the country was over ninety per cent dependent in fact, more than enough to cause great alarm in these energy conscious times. So this is a step in the right direction.

The wind and ocean energy question is naturally the one that is causing the most excitement. In addition to this, the possibility of suppliers becoming more competitive as the energy market widens between the two countries should mean better management of energy overall, due to the fact that suppliers will want to offer the most attractive deals. These deals will not just be attractive due to cost, but also their green credentials. 

The Irish goal is to produce forty per cent of its energy from renewable sources by 2020. This is ambitious, but not unreachable. Making this pipeline a reality under the Irish Sea means that the goal moves one step closer, and creates safe, renewable energy for all.