Southern Regional Assembly RSES LowRes

Renewable Energy

Leadership

RPO 95

Leadership is key to transition to renewable energy and the RSES supports the initiative by many local authorities to sign the Covenant of Mayors – a European cooperation movement involving local and regional authorities aimed at increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. The development of research and innovation for renewable energy is evident across the Region in the initiatives outlined below: • National Bio-economy Hub in Lisheen, Co. Tipperary: supported by the EU bio-economy strategy and Horizon 2020 for the sustainable use of our natural resources from traditional and non- traditional sectors. Developments in this area could enable the Region to become the ‘European Model Demonstrator Region of the Bio-Economy’ ; • Promoting the conversion of Moneypoint electricity station by 2025 from burning fossil fuels. The RSES recognises the importance of Moneypoint as producer of 25% of national energy and its potential as a deep water port; • Between fuel and energy production, Whitegate Energy Park could potentially deliver 25% of the country’s energy needs. It is a national asset for bio-energy and is responsible for the production of a significant element of the national bio-fuel substitution target. Technology developments could provide potential to store carbon dioxide from electricity generation in depleted offshore reservoirs; • The Shannon Integrated Framework Plan (SIFP) provides significant opportunities to grow the Blue Economy through offshore wave and wind renewable energy in the Shannon Estuary.

Sustainable Renewable Energy Generation

It is an objective to support implementation of the National Renewable EnergyActionPlan (NREAP), and the Offshore Renewable Energy Plan and the implementation of mitigation measures outlined in their respective SEA and AA and leverage the Region as a leader and innovator in sustainable renewable energy generation.

RPO 96

Integrating Renewable Energy Sources

It is an objective to support the sustainable development, maintenance and upgrading of electricity and gas network grid infrastructure to integrate renewable energy sources and ensure our national and regional energy system remains safe, secure and ready to meet increased demand as the regional economy grows.

RPO 97

Power Stations and Renewable Energy

It is an objective to support the sustainable technology upgrading and conversion of power stations in the Region to increase capacity for use of energy efficient and renewable energy sources.

Wind Energy

TheRSESrecognisesandsupports themanyopportunities for wind as a major source of renewable energy. Opportunities for both commercial and community wind energy projects should be harnessed, having regard to the requirements of DoHPLG Guidelines on Wind Energy. Wind Energy technology has an important role in delivering value and clean electricity for Ireland.

RPO 98

Regional Renewable Energy Strategy

It is an objective to support the development of a Regional Renewable Energy Strategy with relevant stakeholders.

Southern Regional Assembly | RSES

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