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Renley  participates in Major Energy Conference in Scotland.

During an unprecedented Energy Conference held in late 2009 in Edinburgh, the Energy Ministers from Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland  joined business and other leaders to discuss common challenges and opportunities facing the energy and electricity sectors in the three jurisdictions.

The conference, which was organised by the Joint Council  of the Irish Business Employers’ Confederation (IBEC) and the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) highlighted key areas for increased co-operation to meet ambitious energy targets which have been set by the EC and respective governments. The conference also discussed the huge potential which currently exists for significant investment in the renewable energy industry which in itself would lead to increased competitiveness and employment.

The development of renewable energy and the security of electricity supply were two of the main issues discussed  and the need for  much closer integration between the  electricity markets on both islands was highlighted as a key priority. Of critical importance in achieving the energy targets will be increasing the co-operation between the various players, developing the renewable energy research capability and capacity,  and fully exploiting all new technologies related to wave, tidal and wind resources.

In his opening remarks, Reg McCabe , the Chief Executive of the IBEC-CBI Business Council said that key areas for action will  be the improvement of access to electricity grids access and  the review and implementation of appropriate  planning legislation to maximise both on-shore and off-shore wind generation while also exploring the potential of the Irish Sea and Atlantic seaboards as hubs for wave and tidal  energy. Delegates were asked to consider the benefits of setting up a cross-regional research and development partnership focused on commercialising emerging technology.

The conference was addressed by  Scotland’s Energy Minister, Jim Mather, MSP, the Irish Energy Minister, Eamon Ryan , TD,  and  the  Northern Ireland Assembly Minister, Arlene Foster, MLA , as well as representatives from  various business organisations, the European Commission and the International Energy Agency. Other speakers included Ian Marchant,  Chief Executive,  Scottish and Southern Energy ; Richard Bradley, Head of Energy and Environment Division of the International Energy Agency ; Helen Donoghue, Principal for Energy Policy and Security of Supply Unit in the European Commission  and Garreth Williams, Energy Policy Manager  of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry (SCDI).

Following the  presentations  a  very wide ranging discussion took place concerning  the many issues raised during the presentations and contributions were made by a large number of conference delegates.

In his closing address to the conference Declan McGrath , Managing Director, Renley Ltd. summarised the key outcomes of the seminar. These included:

Renley Ltd.  participates in ‘Renewable Energy’ Workshop

in the North West of Ireland.

The potential to develop the North West of Ireland as a ‘renewable energy’ region is enormous and should be examined in detail in light of current energy costs. This was the theme of a ‘Renewable Energy Development’ Workshop which  took place recently  in Derry, Northern Ireland.

The workshop, which was chaired by Declan McGrath, Managing Director, Renley Ltd.,  considered a variety of issues which included the local economic impact of renewable energy projects, current planning procedures for wind farm development and the associated projected infrastructural investment in electricity grids Those attending the workshop included representatives from industry, local government, state agencies as well as third level educational institutions. Presentations were made by wind energy companies ( Airtricity ; Rockall Marine ), Northern Ireland Electricity ( the electricity distribution company in Northern Ireland ), The Northern Ireland Department of the Environment and  Donegal County Council. 

Martin McGuinness,  Deputy First Minister Northern Ireland Assembly, delivered the key note address in which he stressed that renewable energy had a vital role to play in developing the local economy.

Mr. Brian Ambrose, Chief Executive, George Best Belfast City Airport.

Mr. Martin McGuinness,  U.K. Member of Parliament & Deputy First Minister Northern Ireland Assembly.

Declan  McGrath, Managing Director, Renley Ltd, & Chairman for the Workshop.

Nigel Smyth,  Director , CBI Northern Ireland.

Speaking at the workshop, Reg McCabe, Chief Executive of IBEC-CBI, the cross border business organisation which organised the workshop, stressed the ongoing need for industry to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. In his address he referred to a recent survey, carried out by his organisation, of 600 businesses across the island of Ireland, which found that small businesses in particular were ambivalent on the extent to which they were prepared to take action to reduce carbon footprint and increase energy efficiency.  Mr McCabe went on to say that this was a major issue which needs to be addressed urgently and that changing this mindset would take a determined effort on the part of  government working in partnership with business organisations.

Following the workshop its main findings and policy recommendations were summarised and forwarded to Deputy First Minister for his consideration and evaluation.