Some of the biggest players in the renewable energy industry will be in the city today (Thursday ) for a major conference on the importance of the industry to the region throughout this century.
The conference to be held in the g Hotel, is being hosted by the Port of Galway and will be addressed this afternoon by Taoiseach Micheal Martin.
Speaking in advance of the conference, Port of Galway CEO Conor O’Dowd says the region has the potential to benefit largely as it boasts the best wind speeds in the EU and the UK.
Mr O’Dowd said that the limited size of the Irish market for consuming electricity gives massive potential for job creation as excess capacity power can be sold to the rest of Europe.
“This is a great opportunity for Ireland, and in particular for the west coast,” he said, adding that the recent war in Ukraine had reminded us all of the need for energy independence.
The Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications, Eamon Ryan TD recently announced the commencement of the Maritime Area Consent (MAC ) regime which streamlines the planning process for offshore wind turbines and simplifies the procedure of applying for permits to deliver offshore wind.
Seven new locations are open for applications around the coast including one near Skerd Rocks off Connemara.
Most of the key players in the wind energy industry in Ireland the UK will be attending the conference in the city as an ever increasing focus is placed on the creation of locally tapped wind energy.
