Enormous renewable energy resource on Shannon Estuary

Limerick Chamber brings together key sectoral players for ‘Energy on Estuary’ event outlining actions needed to make Green Energy at scale a reality from the Shannon Estuary

·       Experts outline scale of zero-emission energy opportunity on Atlantic Ocean (70GW) and press for accelerated action on policy and permissions

·       Distinction drawn between decarbonisation targets and the opportunity to become net energy exporter

·       Government partners commended for commitment to deliver road and rail infrastructure, vital to development of port activities on the Shannon Estuary

With much buzz about anticipated investment in Clare, Limerick and Kerry, a Mid-West business community gathering was briefed on the scale of the opportunity off Irelands West coast but told swift action needs to be taken by policy makers to seize the business opportunity.

Speaking at the event, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Environment and Climate Action, Brian Leddin TD outlined Government commitment expressed  through the Climate Action plan , in reducing carbon emissions and supporting the achievement of  targets of 5GW of renewable energy by 2030.

Speakers included Ciaran MacManus, Head of Offshore Wind Generation, Ireland, ESB and Pat Keating, CEO of Shannon Foynes Port company who outlined plans for investment in Moneypoint and Foynes Port and spoke about the competitive advantages of the Estuary. 

Barry O’Sullivan, Chair of Shannon Estuary Economic Taskforce gave an update on focus areas for the taskforce whose report is expected in coming months and Dr Val Cummins, Operations & Project Director (Ireland), Simply Blue called for action to allow industry players to advance planned private investment in making Floating Offshore Wind a reality.

President of Limerick Chamber, Donal Cantillon said

The Shannon Estuary has the raw materials needed to support the development of Offshore Floating Wind at scale and for Ireland to become energy exporters. Not only does the Mid-West have access to world leading port/estuary infrastructure, the plans to increase rail and road linkages to the port will significantly increase its area of influence and further bolster its ability to be the epicentre of floating offshore renewables in Ireland, but with long lead times for investment and manufacturing we must allow industry to start now and we must capitalise on appetite for investment while it is still there.  Further delays to the development of ORE will result in investor frustration and missed opportunities with industry looking elsewhere, in fact there have been instances of this happening already with Equinor. This is a much larger opportunity than decarbonisation alone, Government must think not only of domestic decarbonisation but also of wider job creation and regional livelihoods and the plethora of positive economic effects it will bring to Ireland.  We must send positive signals to the market that Ireland is open for business.”

 

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