The impact of a potential Brexit on Irish energy policy and investment will be the focus of discussion at the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) annual conference, which is taking place in Dublin this week.
The two-day conference will also examine how Ireland can continue on its journey towards low-carbon energy independence by continuing to attract investment for wind energy but also the requirement to create a business and regulatory environment that encourages future investment in emerging renewable technologies.
Speakers include EirGrid chief executive Fintan Slye, Senvion Northern Europe managing director Raymond Gilfedder, energy commissioner Garrett Blaney of the Commission for Energy Regulation and Patrick Mohr of the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund.
Among the key topics to be discussed will be the potential impact of a Brexit on the Irish energy market and the ongoing investment in renewable energy in Ireland.
IWEA interim chief executive Brendan Heneghan said the potential that Ireland’s largest energy trading partner, Britain, will leave the EU raises a number of significant questions for Ireland, which operates a single energy market with Northern Ireland and also continues to import more than 85 per cent of its energy from countries including Britain.
The conference will also hear how UK uncertainty about how they intend to meet their low-carbon targets has seen global investors looking to Ireland for clean energy investment opportunities.
Mr Heneghan said the challenge for the next Irish government is “to enhance and maintain regulatory certainty and sustain an environment that continues to attract direct investment in renewable energy, which will benefit the Irish economy in the form of lower wholesale electricity prices”.
The IWEA will also reveal the findings of a new opinion poll, showing public support for wind energy in Ireland has grown in recent months on the back of renewed efforts to raise awareness of Ireland’s significant wind and renewable energy resources.
