IWEA Launches Jobs and Investment Study
15 June, 2009
Minister Eamonn Ryan T.D. today, Global Wind Day, launched the IWEA Wind Energy Association's Jobs and Investment in Irish Wind Energy Study in Merrion Square.
From left: Michael McFlynn: Deloitte, Minister Eamonn Ryan T.D., Dr. Michael Walsh: CEO IWEA, Stephen Wheeler: IWEA Chairman
In the first major study to be compiled on the opportunities arising in the industry island-wide, the IWEA/Deloitte report, identifies that construction and development of wind energy projects across Ireland, North and South will involve approximately €14.75billion of investment. €5.1 billion of this could be retained in the Irish economy.
Speaking at the launch of the Deloitte report in Dublin today, Energy Minister Eamon Ryan T.D. said,
”This report is evidence of the huge work that is being carried out to progress the development of Ireland’s wind energy sector.
The IWEA’s assessment that wind energy can become a significant employer here in Ireland is absolutely correct. We have the will and the resources to achieve this.
Already, 12% of our electricity is derived from renewables with over 1000 MW of wind connected.
With the grid development work being undertaken by EirGrid and the ESB, the reform of planning regulations and the assistance of CER and local authorities nationwide, we are on course to meet and exceed our targets for this sector.
On this Global Wind Energy Day, it’s clear that Ireland can and will be an international leader in wind energy.”
