Speaking at the annual Engineers Ireland Conference, Dr. Rene Umlauft said that Ireland can reasonably reach our renewable energy targets if we make the necessary infrastructure investments in the short term. "We need to ensure that developers are well-positioned to avail of the technology in a global market and build the required infrastructure to achieve our renewables targets."

 

While Ireland has one of the greatest wind energy resources in Europe, Dr. Umlauft also encouraged Ireland to consider wave and ocean energy. The west coast of Ireland has the highest average wave power in Europe. 

Further incentives are required to encourage growth of the industry

Dr. Umlauft said that Ireland needs to consider the global increases in demand for infrastructure technologies in its long-term plans for developing its renewable energy sector.  "In assessing global market forces, further incentives are required to encourage growth of the industry. We suggest increasing the on-shore tariff given to providers of renewable energy. Currently they receive 6ct/kw compared to 12ct/kwh in the UK. With your natural resources, Ireland has a fantastic opportunity to lead the way but must act now." 

 

"From an energy perspective, your renewable energy will come from West to East and Ireland needs a strong grid to carry power to the population centres. Ireland would also benefit greatly from high capacity HVDC interconnectors to France and UK."

 

Siemens also welcomed the ESB's recent investment announcement for a greener Ireland, which includes the expansion of the national grid to accommodate energy from green resources. This will ensure continued efficient delivery of the vital infrastructure needed to support the Irish economy.

Siemens in Ireland

Siemens has a long-standing tradition of delivering key infrastructure projects in Ireland including the first direct Trans-Atlantic cable in 1874 and Shannon Hydro-electric Scheme which continues to produce green electricity. The company recently completed the largest on-shore wind farm in Ireland for Airtricity.

 

Siemens is a global company providing products, systems, services and solutions for the industry, energy and healthcare sectors. The company employs over 1000 highly skilled people in Ireland and has offices in Belfast, Cork and Dublin.