Public consultation on renewable energy export policy begins today
The Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has today (Wednesday) announced the commencement of the first phase of public consultation on the proposed Renewable Energy Export Policy and Development Framework.
“I have previously stated that the views of local communities must be at the heart of the transition to renewable energy,” Minister Pat Rabbitte said.
“As a country we have a potential opportunity to realise significant economic benefits from trading our abundant renewable resources with other EU member states. This consultation gives all interested parties an opportunity, at the outset, to present their views on how we should develop national policy to realise this opportunity.”
Written submissions and observations are being sought from interested parties including individuals and organisations to assist in the preparation of the policy and development framework and the scoping of the Strategic Environmental Assessment Environmental Report and the Habitats Directive Natura Impact Statement that will accompany the proposed policy and development framework.
More information is available at http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Sustainable+and+Renewable+Energy+Division/Renewable+Energy+Export/, while the consultation documentation is also being made available to local authorities for display.
“Transparency in this process is crucial,” Minister Rabbitte added. “Through the new dedicated section on my Department’s website, anyone can avail of the information on the consultation but also, on an ongoing basis, wider updates on the project to export renewable energy. In addition to this consultation, the public will have two further opportunities to contribute at key points in the process.”
The Minister reinforced the point that any proposed large–scale wind farms intending to export must await the putting in place of this framework, which will be underpinned by a Strategic Environmental Assessment.
The consultation will remain open until November 22 next.