Sustainable energy - The Irish Times - Sat, Sep 22, 2012

Sustainable energy - The Irish Times - Sat, Sep 22, 2012: "Global warming, EU carbon emission penalties, distrust of nuclear power and finite oil and gas reserves have all contributed to a surge in alternative energy investments across Europe. Solar and wind power have received most attention, but the capacity of the ocean to supply electricity is also under development, as is biomass. Here in Ireland, the main focus has been on the development of wind power, driven to a considerable degree by British interest.

A memorandum of understanding between the two governments, signed earlier this year, brought a flurry of activity. Element Power, a US energy group, announced its intention to build 40 wind farms in the midlands and generate 3,000 megawatts for transmission to Britain by dedicated underwater cables. Mainstream Renewable Power announced plans to generate 5,000 megawatts, also in the midlands. Both would come on stream in five years and both, crucially, are seeking fast-track, strategic planning status."

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