Supports for decentralised harnessing of renewables and energy storage are needed to directly meet regional energy needs, Cork energy event told

Prof. Brian Norton, Head of Energy Research at Tyndall National Institute, was speaking alongside Catherine Sheridan, Chief Operating Officer with EIH2, and Shane Cooney, Celtic Interconnector Project Manager with EirGrid, at the ‘Energy for the Future: Renewable, Affordable, Sustainable’ event which took place at University College Cork.

Addressing the audience of students, energy professionals, civil society and members of the local community gathered at the event, Prof. Norton continued:

“There remains an imperative to tightly regulate energy markets in the interests of consumers and develop coherent supports for the decentralised harnessing of renewables, together with energy storage, to directly meet local energy needs.”

Meanwhile, Catherine Sheridan, Chief Operating Officer with EIH2 outlined that the EU’s RePowerEU Plan further enhanced the European Energy System Integration Strategy of 2021.

She said:

“Not only do we have a chance to achieve an energy system with sustainability equity and security of supply at its core, but we have a chance to enhance the European Project, by creating trust and collaboration between countries.  

“Ireland has more energy in the form of wind than we can use domestically, so we can be a source for our European neighbours.”

The event was organised by the European Commission Representation in Ireland with the support of European Movement Ireland and moderated by the Representation’s Head of Communications, Tim Hayes. It forms part of a series of roadshow events that are being organised around the country focused on the impact of energy on rural communities and on the economy in the context of the EU’s REPowerEU plan.

Meanwhile, Shane Cooney, Celtic Interconnector Project Manager with EirGrid, spoke about the State-owned company’s plans for the future.

“Eirgrid is planning and building the infrastructure necessary to create & sustain a power system that supports and promotes de-carbonisation both in Ireland and in the EU and achieve Irelands targets of 70% Renewables by 2030 & net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”

The event can be watched back on our Youtube channel.