Ireland & EU can and should stop importing energy

MEP Sean Kelly urges European power independence

- BY MIRROR REPORTER

WITH the world in turmoil amidst ongoing wars, the importance of energy independence has never been more prominent.

With that in mind, campaigners have been urging our Government to ramp up plans to increase Ireland's renewable energy sources.

Justin Moran, director of external affairs for Wind Energy Ireland, has revealed how extensive mapping has found Ireland can generate at least a further 6,000 megawatts of wind energy, in addition to what is already built or in the planning system.

He said onshore wind energy is already our most affordable source of new electricity.

In excess of 5,000 MW of wind energy is connected to the electricity grid.

Another 4,000 have secured, or applied for, planning permission which could get the country close to our existing 9,000 MW target.

Meanwhile, Environment Minister Darragh O'Brien said he recently brought a memo to Cabinet for a significant plan to accelerate offshore renewable energy development.

This would be through the designation of additional zones for offshore renewable development in Ireland.