Public support for wind farms has increased to a record level of 80%, according to a new survey for Wind Energy Ireland. 45% of people cited cheaper electricity as the number one benefit
If any site in the country could epitomise the energy transformation currently under way in the electricity sector, then it is the Edenderry Power Plant in Co Offaly which is being encroached by the massive wind turbines sprouting up all around it.So, it spews out a constant stream of climate changing greenhouse gas emissions pushing tonnes of carbon dioxide into the skies above ever day.
In fact, last year, on some of the days when wind was at its strongest, up to 80% of Ireland's electricity came from wind. By the end of this year, when turf burning ends and the plant switches to 100% biomass, the entire complex will be supplying far more electricity with no greenhouse emissions at all."Ireland is spending €1 million every hour on imported fossil fuels," he says.
The Mount Lucas and Clonkreen wind farms for instance are open to the public to allow people to walk and cycle around them. It found support for wind energy to be as high as 80% nationally, and 85% in rural areas and that 58% of people would support the development of a wind farm in their own local area.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Euro zone on course to dodge recession as energy crunch easesOfficials forecast economy to expand 0.9 per cent this year
Read more »
Government departments pushed regulator to drop €100m energy levy on big businessesGovernment departments urged Ireland's utilities regulator not to impose €100m in emergency tariffs on large energy-using companies last winter.
Read more »
Calls for social welfare rise over more energy creditsSocial Justice Ireland has said that additional cost-of-living support must include an €8 per week increase in core social welfare benefits, rather than another universal energy credit.
Read more »
Replace energy credit with higher social welfare payments - Social Justice IrelandIncreasing social welfare payments by €8 a week would be a better use of public funds than another energy credit, Social Justice Ireland has said.
Read more »
Government departments pushed regulator to drop €100m energy levy on big businessesThe Commission for Energy Regulation scrapped its plan for tariffs on certain companies in the face of outside pressure
Read more »
Energy expert explains how windy weather can help save you money on billsEnergy bills are putting a big pinch on people but there is one sure way to keep the bills down
Read more »