*Minister Eamon Ryan in Clare last November.
PACE at which offshore renewable energy is developing in Clare has been labelled as “baffling” by Ennis Chamber.
In a submission to the public consultation process on the DRAFT Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan ll (OREDP ll), Ennis Chamber put forward the view of its membership which includesbusinesses operating directly in the renewable energy sector, including those specifically operating in the Offshore Renewable Energy (ORE) and Floating ORE sectors.
Floating ORE was described as “an economic game-changer” for the county in Ennis Chamber’s submission for “positioning county Clare and the region as a world leading location for the development of Floating ORE, generating high quality jobs with the potential to develop a supporting supply chain system. Access to ORE/Floating ORE will also place county Clare to the forefront of helping to meet Ireland’s climate action targets”.
Tourism sensitivities with the need to harness renewable energy can be balanced on the Atlantic coastline and with Moneypoint’s deep-water port, the submission noted. “Following discussions with industry members, we are concerned that the Broad Area of Interest (BAI) off vounty Clare is too small, too shallow and too close to the coast. Given Floating Offshore Wind is more suited to depths of between 85m and 200m, limiting the areas to less than 100m depth undermines industry /investment, lacks ambition, stymies potential and is ultimately unsuitable. Furthermore, the BAI off County Clare at 1.5km from the coast will in our view cause unsuitable visual impact in what is a scenic tourist location. At 1.5km from shore it will also impact on the inshore fishery area”.
“Ireland has a window of opportunity to become a world leader in Floating ORE, but this won’t be achieved by putting development of that sector on the long finger, as outlined in DRAFT OREDP ll. Now is the time for a show of ambition and vision from Government, worthy of the vision shown by the founders of our state when they invested in Arnacrusha Hydroelectric Power Station. Now is the time to start converting the promise inherent in Floating ORE to reality,” the submission added.
A “lack of ambition” in the Draft is viewed as “a significant missed opportunity” for the county, Shannon Estuary region and the country. “The content of DRAFT OREDP ll as it pertains to this county and region represents a very disappointing shift in policy and narrative”.
Moneypoint’s €50m synchronous compensator can enable higher volumes of renewables on the system and add greater grid stability, the submission noted. “Having established County Clare has the necessary conditions and infrastructure in place for the development of (Floating) ORE including, Moneypoint which is set to become a hub for green energy, grid connectivity to deliver green energy to areas of high demand, plus interest and commitment from private sector developers, a move to ‘long-finger’ the development of ORE in this region is baffling. The founders of our state showed determination and vision with the development of Ardnacrusha Hydroelectric Power Station, what’s required now is similar resolve and vision to grasp the long-term opportunities presented by Floating ORE”.
