Ireland could generate EUR 10 billion a year from wind power, estimates the National Offshore Wind Association spokesman Grattan Healy, reports the Irish Times.
The offshore wind electricity is the best option for export to Britain since “planning offshore is easier, there’s nobody living there and we’ve done our environmental impact assessments,” says National Offshore Wind Association.
The EUR 10 billion revenue, the total amount Irish wind farms could generate, would offset EUR 6 billion bill for oil, coal and gas import.
Building offshore wind farm has its advantages, like fewer objections since they’re being built away from concentrations of people.
Healy also noted that some major offshore wind schemes already have consent in principle, while others are on the way.
Offshore WIND staff, November 4, 2013; Image: lorc