SEAI outlines details to develop Ireland’s ocean energy potential
The Ocean Energy Development Unit (OEDU) of the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has today, (28th April 2010) outlined plans to develop a national wave energy test site off Annagh Head, west of Belmullet, Co. Mayo. A full scale wave energy test site, if developed, will allow for the testing and demonstrating of new wave energy technologies and determine the potential for Ireland’s ocean resources to generate electricity. SEAI is working with the Marine Institute and ESBI as project partners for the proposed research site.
Plans were unveiled at an information day at the civic offices in Belmullet outlining details of the proposed project and plans for development. The purpose of the national wave energy test site at Belmullet is to provide a location for the temporary mooring and deployment of wave energy machines so that their performance in generating electricity and their survivability can be tested and demonstrated in real open ocean conditions. It is proposed for the site to operate for up to 15 years.
Commenting, Professor Owen Lewis, Chief Executive, SEAI, noted: “The development of a test site in Belmullet provides us with a significant strategic opportunity. By investing in and developing a major research facility, we can properly test and pioneer the feasibility of this technology in Ireland. For the first time, we will have a national test site which will allow us to determine the potential of ocean energy as a future source of renewable power, both for Ireland and for export to Europe.”
“While only a small number of jobs will be created in the short term, there is a real potential for future jobs and investment through the development of an ocean energy industry, which will be recognised globally. A national wave energy test site is an important first step in this process, and we are committed to working closely with the local community in Belmullet on the development of these plans.”
The site at Annagh Head was chosen as a result of the deep water with sandy sea bed close to the shore, the quality of the wave climate and good shore infrastructure as well as proximity to extensive maritime infrastructure at Killybegs. There will be three test areas; a near shore area half a mile from land, a coastal area two miles from land and a deep water test area seven miles from land.
The OEDU is currently preparing an environmental study which will determine the effects of the test site and its construction on local people, marine and terrestrial wildlife and the environment. The results of the study will form part of an Environmental Impact Statement which will accompany an application to the Department of the Environment for a Foreshore License. An application for planning permission will be lodged with Mayo County Council by the end of 2010. If a favourable decision is issued in each case, it is anticipated that the site will be ready for testing the first wave energy machine in 2012.
read moreOver 100,000 Irish homes assessed
Over 100,000 Irish homes assessed the Building Energy Rating scheme Press Release 21st February 2010
Sustainable Energy Ireland reveals latest BER figures
Figures released today (21 February 2010) from Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) reveal that over 100,000 Irish homes have had Building Energy Ratings (BERs)
completed to date, the majority of which were completed since January 2009, the first year for full implementation of the BER scheme. Introduced in 2007 as part of a European Directive to improve the energy performance of homes, the rate of BER publications has steadily increased in 2009, averaging 300 per day, and indicating an increasing awareness of, and compliance with, the legislation.
Initially the scheme only applied to new homes, but since 1 January 2009 all homes being sold or rented are also required to have a BER certificate that shows prospective buyers or tenants the energy performance of the home.
Research
shows that landlords are the group most aware of the need for a BER certificate, with awareness now at 76%. While awareness is improving in most quarters, tenants looking to rent are the least aware of their entitlement to get a BER cert with awareness only at 38%.
Commenting on the BER programme, Minister for Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan TD said: “The BER Scheme is a practical scheme which helps current and prospective homeowners make informed choices when selecting or upgrading a property. The success of the scheme last year shows that the energy performance and efficiency of a property is becoming increasingly important for Irish homeowners.”
Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, John Gormley TD
said: “The systems now in place and the increasing consumer awareness will be important factors in the continuous improvement of the energy performance of our building stock. This will help underpin future Building Regulation changes and efforts to upgrade existing buildings. ”
Professor Owen Lewis, Chief Executive SEI, said: “Putting aside the difficult economic conditions in 2009, the first year of full operation of the BER scheme has been a successful one. However, there are many homes for sale or rent out there that have not yet been assessed, and need to be, if they are not to fall foul of the regulations. SEI is calling on people who are looking to buy or rent homes to insist upon receiving a BER certificate as their right, so they are fully informed of the energy performance before finalising any property transactions.”
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March 2010
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March 2010
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February 2010
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