This article is from page 2 of the 2011-04-05 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 2 JPG
THE move by ESB International to explore the possibility of developing wave energy sites off the west coast of Clare is further evidence of the county’s key and historic role in harnessing electricity for the nation.
That’s message sounded out by Clare’s first citizen, Mayor Christy Curtin, this week in welcoming the decision of ESB International to conduct marine surveys off the coast of Doonbeg at Killard Point.
The project, if developed from the feasibility to construction phase, could pave the way for wave energy technology to power up to 2,500 homes in Clare every year.
“This is a new dimension to energy generation,” said Mayor Curtin, “and it’s a vast resource that we have on our doorstep here in Clare. If this resource can be harnessed for the people of Clare, it would show that the county can lead the way like it did with Patrick McGilligan’s Shannon Scheme in 1929 and the development of Moneypoint Power Station in 1986.
“The Shannon Scheme and Moneypoint were major infrastructural projects that brought jobs to Clare. Wave energy has the potential to bring more jobs to the county if this project can be brought to fruition.”
ESB International (ESBI) has applied to the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government for foreshore licences for both Killard Point and Achill, with the findings from the feasibility study determining which is the best location for the WestWave project.
The application is seen as the first step towards developing a five megawatt wave energy project.
The foreshore licences will allow ESBI to deploy wave measurement buoys for a minimum period of one year to assess the wave climate at each site. The company will also undertake hydrographic surveys at each site to assess the sea-bed conditions. The proposed works will provide baseline data on wave and current resources at each site, as well as determining design and installation methodologies and informing route selection for cables associated with a wave energy project. The survey work will also provide information for environmental studies of the area. These activities will take place over a one to two-year period following receipt of the licences.
The project is in line with ESB’s strategy to develop 150MW of electricity from ocean energy by 2020 and the Government’s strategy to generate 500MW from ocean energy.