The war in Iraq has focused attention on the vulnerability of world oil supplies and on the need to provide alternative sources of energy.
Here in Ireland, successive governments debated the issue for decades but, with an ESB monopoly firmly in place, little was done. In recent years that situation has changed under pressure from the European Union. Competition has developed in the marketplace. An electricity regulator has been appointed. And private generating companies now sell energy directly to the ESB or to competing suppliers.
Last month, the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Mr Ahern, published details of the latest renewable energy programme, designed to help this State meet its commitments under the Kyoto protocol on global warming. New grant and price structures are intended to treble the supply of green energy by 2005. It seems like an ambitious target but, given the present low production base of 175 megawatts a year, it is fairly modest. And small private companies continue to complain about inadequate incentives for biomass projects and wind energy.
Far too much bureaucracy and delay has bedevilled alternative energy projects. Eighteen months ago, the ESB and Bord na Móna submitted a joint proposal to Mayo County Council for the development of a 210-turbine wind farm at Bellacorick. It was to complement an existing 21-turbine facility and replace an outdated peat-fired generating station. Towards the end of last year, the council sought clarification on a number of matters and the developers are now considering a response. When these issues are finally resolved, local objectors are almost certain to appeal to An Bord Pleanála.
The outcome will be further delay and increased costs. The first phase of this 10-year project was to be operational by next year. As of now, however, that does not seem to be a realisable objective.
Mr Ahern has spoken of the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions while, at the same time, meeting our energy requirements in the future. The effective use of wind power will reduce our dependence on imported oil and help to create jobs. We have the best wind conditions in Europe. Yet we come ninth in the European league for wind power generation. A radical rethink is required. The Danish approach, where wind farms are run by local co-operatives, is an interesting model.
Wind farms can, indeed, be intrusive in the landscape. But so can forestry and some farming practices. An acceptable balance must be struck between conservation and community development.