Electricity link could offer economic boost

THE DEVELOPMENT of an electricity grid connecting Ireland and Scotland could boost both countries’ economies, according to a study inaugurated by the administrations of Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic yesterday.

The EU-funded report, Irish-Scottish Links on Energy Study,states the development of an interconnected transmission grid linking the countries would drive further growth in renewable energy, create jobs, generate revenues and help secure future energy supplies.

After the launch yesterday, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte said it was further proof of the potential offered by renewable energy.

“With a sea area that is almost 10 times the size of our land mass, Ireland has an abundance of ocean renewable energy resources, potentially a multiple of the energy requirements of our own system,” he said.

“By co-operating with our neighbouring administrations, we can work together to create a viable market for these resources, initially across our own islands but in time to continental Europe.”

Mr Rabbitte said the study showed that by co-operating on the development and design of the network, the countries could reduce the costs involved.

Northern Ireland Minister for Energy and Scottish finance secretary John Swinney welcomed the report, which argues for the development of the respective electricity networks to allow them to tap into potential off their coasts.

The report was published at a conference in Glasgow yesterday.