The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has announced funding of €1.3m for environmental and feasibility studies at ESB’s Westwave project which aims to deploy five wave energy devices off the coast of County Clare by 2018.
SEAI has been working closely with ESB for the past three years on the ESB Westwave project which represents one of the most significant efforts worldwide to establish a pre-commercial array of wave energy converters. The full environmental impact assessment for the site, to be carried out in 2014 and 2015, is essential to advance the project and eventually connect power generated from the wave energy converters to the existing electricity network.
Commenting Dr Motherway said: “Ocean energy is a great opportunity for Ireland, not only to exploit a tremendous source of clean energy but also to develop a sizeable enterprise sector. We already have world leading technology expertise and some excellent test facilities in Ireland. ESB Westwave will bring ocean energy in Ireland to another level by enabling us to bring renewable electricity ashore from the waves off County Clare.”
Pat O’Doherty, Chief Executive, ESB said: “As an island nation, we have a natural advantage in the abundant sustainable wave energy resources off our west coast. The ESB Westwave project is a demonstration project and is a critical step on the journey towards commercialisation of wave power generation. Effective collaboration between industry and state agencies is critical to developing the sector and to ensuring ocean energy can play its part in meeting Ireland’s ambitious renewable targets. We very much welcome the on-going support and commitment from SEAI towards developing the ESB Westwave project.”
Press Release, April 23, 2014; Image: westwave