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ESB deal makes Ireland ‘test-bed’ for energy research
14 February 2010 By Niamh Connolly
Ireland is to become a ‘‘test bed’’ for new energy technologies, under an alliance between the ESB and a US research institute.
ESB Networks has formed the three-year alliance with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a non-profit body that works on next-generation technologies in the sector.
The institute has strong membership in the US, where its members account for 95 per cent of electricity production, but the ESB is its first host partner outside of the US.
The alliance paves the way for the ESB to run demonstrations of projects in wind energy, smart metering, green and smart electricity networks, and for the expansion of an electric vehicle fleet.
‘‘ESB Networks has recently been ranked among the top three utilities in the world in relation to the development of smart networks. We believe that Ireland can become a test bed and a world leader in this area," said EPRI vice-president Arshad Mansoor.
Pat Doherty, director of ESB Energy, said that there was a requirement for a coalition of industry, academia and national and international research bodies to tackle energy issues ‘‘given the scale of the challenge and the evolving nature of new technologies’’.
He said that the alliance with EPRI could have benefits for Ireland, and lead to increased value and choice for customers, a reduction in carbon emissions and increased fuel security.
It ties in with the ESB’s 2020 strategy, which includes the construction of sustainable electricity networks, which it says can help the development of a ‘smart economy’.
The strategy also includes an increase in electricity generation renewable sources, including wind and wave power.
The ESB recently sought permission for the development of 11 wind turbines in Co Wicklow, eight turbines in Co Waterford and six turbines in Co Monaghan. It is also planning to develop wave energy from sites off the west coast.
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