Sir, – Claims that the Irish electricity system will be in danger of blackouts due to renewable energy or upgrading the transmission network are without basis (“Reports for anti-pylon group warns of ‘blackouts’ and dearer electricity”, Home News, February 20th).
Developing the national grid will in fact improve security of supply and reliability through stronger infrastructure, and will facilitate inward investment and regional development, as well as enabling Ireland to meet its targets for renewable energy.
On numerous occasions in recent years up to 50 per cent of electricity being carried on the Irish transmission system has come from wind generation. Ireland and EirGrid are recognised as world leaders in integrating wind energy.
The European Union has set binding targets for renewable energy to be achieved by 2020. EirGrid has put in place a detailed programme of work to ensure that Ireland can achieve these targets by delivering 40 per cent of electricity through renewable energy.
Through the use of smart technologies, new procedures and the upgrading of our transmission infrastructure, we will integrate renewable energy to ensure a safe, secure and reliable supply of electricity. – Yours, etc,
MICHAEL KELLY,
Communications Manager,
EirGrid
Shelbourne Road,
Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.