Dublin, 11th June 2010

The Facilitation of Renewables studies, published by independent transmission operator EirGrid is welcome. Following eighteen months of analysis; the reports demonstrate the technological and operational developments needed to deliver increased renewable energy in Ireland.

“Our All Island Grid Study has already shown that Ireland can obtain at least 40% electricity from renewables by 2020. The electricity grid is the single most important piece of infrastructure in realising these ambitions.

EirGrid is investing €4 billion in the upgrade of the transmission system in the years ahead and there are of course, technical challenges to be examined.

This report is the first of its kind to examine these challenges, and is crucial to our renewables plans.

Investing in our own electricity grid, as well as in a North West European grid, will mean Ireland will be well placed to sell wind energy abroad. We have a comparable advantage, and I am determined that we capitalise on it.

Ireland is currently ranked 2nd in the EU for the integration of wind power onto our system. With some work I believe we can soon be number 1”.