A €50m wave energy farm is to be constructed off the coast of Clare.
Power will be provided for up to 2,000 homes in the ESB project. It will involve trialling five devices capable of generating electricity from wave energy, and will be funded through a €23m EU grant and from its own resources.
ESB will apply for planning permission later this year and the farm is expected to be in place within two years.
A potential site at Killard , near Doonbeg is already being developed and talks with five companies have already commenced, these are; Ocean Energy, AW Energy, Ocean Linx, Wello and Carnegie.
Fianna Fáil’s Energy Spokesperson Timmy Dooley has welcomed the ESB’s proposal to build the wave energy farm. “This is a very positive development, and should be seen as an important strategic initiative that will help us on the journey towards reducing Ireland’s reliance on imported fossil fuels.”
“As well as generating local employment, it will help bring Ireland on the path towards sustainable energy production. The pilot project announced by the ESB has the capacity to generate energy for 4000 homes,” the Clare TD said.
“We have the means by which to wean ourselves off fossil-based electricity. Research suggests that there is four times Ireland’s total energy consumption in Irish waters alone. Successful economies in the 21st century will be the ones that harness sustainable, renewable energy sources first. Ireland, as an Atlantic nation, needs to kick-start its own energy revolution.”
“One of the great attributes of sustainable wave energy is the fact that it’s located away from communities thereby reducing its visual and environmental impact. For our remote, island communities, wave energy can be a game changer, and protect their viability” Deputy Dooley told The Clare Herald.