Global consensus is growing that we will need continental scale Supergrids to enable the renewable powered energy systems of the future. This is evident from sources around the world, from a study by German TSO TransnetBW [1], Wind Energy Ireland’s Supergrid Position paper [2], the ‘Asia Supergrid’ as proposed by the Renewable Energy Institute back
An efficient energy transition can only be achieved with a European approach to grid planning, according to a new study released by German TSO TransnetBW. The intent of the study was to initially focus solely on Germany but the authors quickly realised the critical nature of the pan-European dimension. Werner Gotz, the CEO of TransnetBW
Consensus has formed that we need a meshed offshore grid to enable the decarbonisation of Europe with renewables. Ireland has the EU’s best offshore renewable energy resources and should take a proactive leadership role in shaping Europe’s Energy Future.
COP26 will soon kick off in Glasgow. It happens against the backdrop of growing concerns about energy prices and security of supply. Electricity costs in many parts of the world are at historical highs, caused by a perfect storm of low gas stocks, high demand following COVID and low wind energy and hydro power production in Northern Europe.
Chris Horn writes to the Irish Times that “just keeping the light on is becoming our top national imperative”. This is due in large part to the ever increasing electricity demand of data centres, the electrification of our heating and transport sectors and the variability of renewable energy. His analysis of the problem is accurate as is his solution. He calls for urgent innovation so that Ireland can resolve its own struggles.
David McWilliams outlines the vast renewable energy potential located in the Irish offshore space in his Irish Times article: “Donegal to Dingle could become the world’s most innovative energy hub”. The article even goes so far as to say:
“In the 21st century, Ireland is to renewable energy what 20th century Saudi Arabia was to fossil fuels.”
Europe risks falling behind the US and China in efforts to decarbonise unless it legislates for a radical expansion of renewable energy.
The actions of the European authorities seem like a reprise of the plays of Anton Czechov. We come from a noble line, we thought out how to support renewables and developed them first, but now we are old and utterly unable to face the changes needed to go the distance and completely decarbonise.