25.03.2010
The Northern Ireland Executive reports that efforts to build an offshore electricity transmission network linking Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland have taken an important step forward:
The RPS Group has been awarded the contract to examine the feasibility of building an offshore grid in the Irish Sea.
The Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment is working with its government counterparts in Scotland and the Republic of Ireland on a technical feasibility study for a regional offshore marine electricity grid system. This could link offshore renewable energy sites to exploit wind, wave and tidal resources in the Irish Sea and Atlantic coastal areas.
This is a key part in developing thinking on the EU's concept of a EU-wide 'Super Grid' for electricity interconnection. Such a grid would enhance security of supply, and could also help save significant energy. The two-year study is due to be concluded by the end of 2011.
Scotland's Energy Minister Jim Mather said: " This co-operation with Northern Ireland and Ireland is another step in our approach to strategic energy issues." And Ireland's Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan said: "By working in partnership, we can use our resources to generate carbon free renewable electricity to meet our future energy requirements."
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Northern Ireland Executive
Web: www.northernireland.gov.uk |
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Source: James Hunt & Northern Ireland Executive |
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