AS THE nation seeks an exit strategy from the recession, turning Ireland into a green energy powerhouse seems like one of the few real, tangible targets to gain some traction in recent times and one we can really work towards.

Admittedly, in the current climate, we are prone to jump on any bandwagon that looks like getting us out of this mess. But can we ever become a shining example of the new energy age?

The plans look promising. We are blessed with ample wind resources that are ready to be tapped if we can get the infrastructure and support network in place. There are multiple hurdles to its full-scale development at present, but none of them seem insurmountable. We can then mix this energy format with some wave and tidal supplies, a touch of biomass generation and perhaps even a little solar.

However, even the most ardent advocates of alternative energy see that fossil fuels will be here for a few years yet. The sheer scale of replacing them is daunting and that’s why it will take time. That’s not, however, a reason to give up or not to try to be at the vanguard of alternative energy. The reality is that these finite fuels need replacing and now is the time to put in the effort.

A network of electric cars and the infrastructure around it is viable given our relatively small size, even if the targets set for 2020 seem unrealistic. We could be an ideal testbed for the future of transport.

However, exciting as all that is, we need to start considering what benefits it brings to us in terms of business development. Turning our energy network green is a worthy aim but can we create indigenous industries to pioneer new technology and bring the results around the world? What will we get from the motor industry apart from more efficient cars? Will we lead the world in developing new vehicles? Unlikely. What about developing new battery technology or recharging systems? Or cutting-edge wind power engineering? Will there be the energy equivalent for Ireland of Nokia’s telecom leadership in Finland?

Ireland’s EU ambassador for innovation, Damini Kumar (page 20), says there is plenty of talk in Ireland around innovation, but not much evidence of it on the ground.

The need for new energy sources offers incredible potential for innovation. Future plans need to position us not only as an early adopter but also an industry leader.