Fahey Launches Policy Blueprint for Offshore
Wind and Wave Electricity Generation
Ireland Poised to Be World Leader In Eco Friendly
Energy
12
July 2000
A policy document on the regulation of
offshore wind and wave electricity generating stations which was today published
by Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources, Frank Fahey TD.
The Minister emphasised that offshore
renewable energy production can make a major contribution to environmental protection
and to reducing global warming. Electricity
generation from wind and wave energy does not cause carbon dioxide emissions,
40% of which are currently caused by electricity production from fossil fuels.
“Harnessing energy from wind and waves can lessen
Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gases and the harmful
effects on human health and the environment”, he said. “Ireland’s
unique position on the Atlantic’s edge means we have the potential to be world
leaders in environmentally friendly energy installations”, he
added.
The Policy document "Offshore Electricity Generating Stations - Note for Intending
Developers" provides for a two phase approach. There will be an initial phase
of site suitability investigation including environmental impact assessment (EIA)
in advance of any construction. The construction and operation phase, includes
such safeguards as comprehensive public consultation, full environmental impact
statement and planning permission.
Minister Fahey said, “in formulating a policy to allow us to tap
into new energy sources it was vital that
we did not ignore the concerns of, local communities and other stakeholders in
the marine environment”. “This policy
has been drawn up following submissions from the electricity generating industry,
environmental bodies, other Departments and agencies as well as users of the marine
environment. It enables full consideration and consultation on the impact of
offshore installations on communities and coastal resources”, he added.
Current applications:
Licences have already been applied for
areas of our offshore waters to allow the suitability of sites to be investigated
and these have been advertised in local newspapers for the public and other interested
parties to consider. “There
are very substantial investments involved, I want to progress these matters quickly
now that the views of the public and all interest groups have been sought”,
said Minister Fahey.
Renewable Energy Systems (Larne), a division of Mc Alpine have applications for
sites off counties, Wicklow, Wexford, Kerry and Cork. The Kish Consortium comprising
ESB International, Soargas (Tralee) and PowerGen (UK) has applied in respect of
areas off Dublin and Wicklow, Harland and Wolff for areas off Wicklow
and the Sure Partners off Co Wicklow. Further
applications are expected to proceed to public notification shortly.
Under the new policy each project would
be approached in two distinct phases. Phase
1 would concern site suitability tests only and would not involve construction
or operation which would be dealt with in Phase 2. Any developer wishing to construct an installation
within 5 Km of the shore must clearly demonstrate that it will not have adverse
visual effects.
Phase 1 : Licence to Investigate the Suitability of a Site
This requires applicants to obtain a Foreshore Licence for the investigation of
the suitability of a site and would have virtually no environmental impact.
Minister Fahey emphasised that he Foreshore Licence will not commit the
developer to proceeding with construction and operation nor the Department to
issuing a Foreshore Lease for such purposes”.
“Site Investigation Licences” will be
valid for a maximum of four years and, uniquely, will allow the applicant to specify,
within certain limits, the date from which the Licence takes effect.
This allows Licences to chose the most suitable time of year for the investigation
work.
Phased 2: Foreshore Lease to Allow Development of a Site
This phase would require a Foreshore Lease to allow development of the site: “A
full Environmental Impact statement will be required in each case and there will
be full public consultation”, the Minister said.
A lease will only be granted where authorisation to construct and licences to
operate and supply electricity has been issued by, or is being processed by, the
Commission for Electricity Regulation. Planning
permission for on-shore works would also be a requirement.
Licensees will have to enter full consultation with relevant interested
parties, take steps toward obtaining necessary planning permission, the authorisation
and licences required form the Commission for Electricity Regulation and carry
out an Environmental Impact Assessment during the investigation stage of Phase
1.
An Evolutionary Policy
The Minister also emphasised that because of the newness of the industry here
and world-wide and limited experience internationally, it would be likely that
some fine tuning of the policy will be necessary as both his Department and the
industry gain experience of the practical operation of the policy. “Today’s policy document
is a beginning rather than an end. With limited international experience on which
to draw, all stakeholders must work together to ensure that Ireland’s policy on
offshore electricity generation is evolutionary. The Government will ensure that we have a strategy which takes account of all
views”, he said.
ends
For further information:
Denis Maher
Phone:(01) 6785444, 6621606 (dir), 087-2565927,
Fax:(01) 6766161 E Mail: Press_Office@marine.irlgov.ie
All News Releases available on the WEB at: www.irlgov.ie/marine/pressRelease
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