Scotland-Ireland power link proposals launched

Proposals on building an offshore interconnector between Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland have been published. The Irish-Scottish Links on Energy Study (ISLES) is a joint initiative between the three governments to […]

Proposals on building an offshore interconnector between Scotland, Ireland and Northern Ireland have been published.

The Irish-Scottish Links on Energy Study (ISLES) is a joint initiative between the three governments to study the opportunities for a more strategic approach to connect future onshore wind, wave and tidal projects.

The publication of the proposals is the second part of the project.

The first part of the study published in November 2011 showed there were no technical barriers to develop the interconnector.

The report shows some recommendations which have key implications for governments, regulators and industry at national and EU levels.

It proposes marine guidance for potential developers and a business plan through which future development could be supported.

Scottish Energy Minister Fergus Ewing said: “Between us we have some of the best offshore renewable energy resources anywhere in the world but market and regulatory challenges have acted as a barrier to development.

“The ISLES II study makes some compelling recommendations for overcoming these barriers and will require wider support at national and EU level to be fully effective. The Scottish Government will continue to promote the findings of the ISLES project to UK and EU authorities and to do everything we can to realise Scotland’s vast renewable energy potential.”

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