March 24, 2011
Ireland

Wind energy investment drops 58% – IWEA

www.rte.ie 24 March 2011

Investment in the wind energy sector dropped 58%, or €265m, because of instability in the renewable energy sector, according to the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA).

The IWEA said red tape and uncertainty is significantly hampering job creation and investment in the Irish renewable energy sector.

Speaking on the opening day of the association’s annual conference in Dublin, IWEA Chief Executive Dr Michael Walsh said that excess bureaucracy and unnecessary risk was driving investors away from what should be a thriving market.

Dr Walsh said such was the instability that last year saw a 58% or €265m drop in the level of investment in the wind sector in Ireland.

‘Investors are lined up and ready to go but the framework for investment is simply too volatile.

‘Many rules and processes are under review and there is no overall co-ordination of the consents needed to make an investment in renewable energy in Ireland.

‘Investors are being asked to make substantial financial commitments in advance of clarity on the regulations that will apply in the future. International financial providers are still interested in Ireland but they will no longer accept this level of uncertainty,’ said Dr Walsh.

The conference is due to be addressed by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2011/03/24/wind-energy-investment-drops-58-iwea/