Its claimed a new offshore development planned for Clare can open an untapped renewable energy source.
Project Saoirse is being described as the next step in a just transition away from fossil fuels.
In a 50:50 joint venture, the Simply Blue Group and ESB are set to pool resources and expertise to explore the potential of wave energy off Clare’s coast.
Subject to the necessary grants of planning permission and grid connections, the pre-commercial project known as ‘Saoirse’ is on target to be completed by the mid to late 2020s.
The chosen apparatus for Saoirse is Cor Power’s Wave Energy Converter and the first full scale demonstration of the technology is already underway in Portugal.
However, with the ability to harness up to 5 mega-watts of renewable power, Project Saoirse is understood to be the largest of its kind in the world and could remain in Clare’s waters for up to fifteen years.
Simply Blue CEO Sam Kerr Roch believes there will be endless benefits for local communities.
The initiative has already been pre-selected for the European Commission’s Innovation Fund and is on track to receive the highest grant of any Irish entity to date.
The proposal is coming hot on the heels of the launch of the ESB’s marine mammal observer training programme in Kilrush, while the Government is aiming to harness 30 giga-watts of electricity from the Shannon Estuary Region by 2050.
Inagh Green Party Senator Roisín Garvey believes Clare’s wheels are in motion to lead a just transition from fossil fuels.
You can listen to the full interview below.
