Mayo's renewable energy output positioned to double

A NEW renewable energy strategy is being prepared for Mayo, with the county positioned to double its renewable output.

Members of Mayo County Council's environment and climate change strategic policy committee (SPC) were briefed on the renewable energy strategy by acting senior executive planner Enda Casey.

He explained how Mayo's contribution to the national picture is quite significant. We have evolved from producing six megawatts of renewable energy into the grid in 1990 to 381MW today, predominantly wind.

The strategy, he said, will guide Mayo towards a low carbon economy, with national and regional targets to meet; a strategy that supports economic development and works with the community, and benefits all.

It is hoped to have a draft strategy in Q1 or 2 of next year.

Currently, 381 megawatts of renewable energy is connected in Mayo, with a further 184MW contracted, which EirGrid will bring to the grid. And there's 149MW permitted but not yet contracted. That's 333MW ready to go into the grid.

It all depends on the grid being capable of accepting this power, but EirGrid are investing in infrastructure, including a new 100kV asset.

Solar will be more significant, with projects being developed at Ireland West Airport and Coca Cola. And there are other technologies, including hydrogen, and the Corrib gas line is hydrogen ready. In south Mayo, there has been a successful partnership between a local anaerobic digestor and Flogas. Offshore is another emerging sector, with a test site in Belmullet.

Councillor Peter Flynn noted how we are effectively doubling output, and infrastructure is key. It was not worth a lot if it can't be shipped out of and around Mayo due to lack of grid capacity.

Back in 2012, the talk was of a 400kV line, whereas now it was 100kV, which is 'backwards' in terms of critical infrastructure, he commented.

The power has to go to key towns in the county and EiGrid have to deliver the infrastructure for this to happen. Councillor Sean Carey agreed that the grid has to be improved, noting how in north Mayo, if there's a strong breeze they lose power.

The point was made by Councillor Gerry Murray that just because something is renewable does not always mean it's sustainable. With new emerging technologies coming on stream, there was a need for a European institute to licence these, as government departments don't have the expertise to adjudicate on them, he suggested.

Mr. Casey also addressed the planning and corporate SPC on Friday where he again explained how a third of Mayo is designated for environmental protection, limiting where certain types of renewable infrastructure can be located. The new strategy will move away from the ‘preferred areas’ zoning used previously. Instead, it will adopt a more flexible approach that reflects constraints such as environmental sensitivity, landscape and grid capacity.

Councillor Michael Burke described the strategy as ‘the most important item in the county’.

“We need a strong plan. When someone comes with an application, there needs to be some certainty, there is too much space between good planning and bad law.”

Councillor Adrian Forkan raised concerns that multinational energy companies are making significant profits while community-led projects face obstacles: “Local community-led projects shouldn’t be stifled when it comes to paying rates at the level of big companies. If multinationals are making a million a day, we’re not getting enough bang for our buck.”