Wind & waves could make islands self sufficient

Date Published: 06-Nov-2008

THE Aran Islands could become a model source for alternative energy if it is considered suitable for a wind and ocean powered smart network that would provide electricity, heat and transport for the local community.

This week Ministers Éamon Ó Cuív and Eamon Ryan announced that they were funding a study that would look into the concept for the islands, one of which, Inis Meáin, already has a windfarm with an output capacity of 750kw.

This study, which is jointly commissioned by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), will focus on the Aran Islands off the Galway coast – Inis Mór (Árainn), Inis Meáin and Inis Oírr – but will also investigate the potential application of the technologies and systems to other offshore islands.

At present, despite having a windfarm with an output capacity of 750kw, the offshore islands rely largely on the mainland for their energy supply; electricity is supplied via undersea cables and fuels for transport and heat must be delivered by ferry.

The development of an integrated wind and ocean powered energy system could make the islands self-sufficient in terms of energy supply, would create jobs, boost tourism and …