The Irish Wind Farmers Association (IWFA) is set to host its Annual Conference, sponsored by Flogas, on Thursday, November 28th, 2024, at Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny.
The event will gather leaders across Ireland’s renewable energy industry, policymakers, stakeholders and experienced onshore wind farmers to explore opportunities within the wind energy sector.
Anticipating Q4 announcement of government-backed support for smaller wind projects, the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), organisers are inviting SMEs, community groups, and farmers to learn from the real-life experience of small-scale wind farmers and industry experts.
This year’s keynote speaker is Jim Breslin, Chair of Renewable Energy Ireland. He will be joined by Paul O’Neill, Principal Officer in the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications alongside Tom Ryan, Wicklow-based wind farmer, who will discuss the reapplication processes followed by a series of panels discussing key challenges in the wind sector, planning, grid and markets, and the introduction of the Small RESS scheme for communities and SMEs are on the agenda for the conference.
“Ireland’s renewable energy sector is at a critical juncture. Right now, we’re trailing the EU leader board for portion of energy produced sustainably, yet onshore wind projects represent one of our greatest opportunities to bring more groups into the fold and make meaningful strides towards the Government’s 2030 commitments,” Paddy Phelan, Chair of the Irish Wind Farmers Association said, “The recent SRESS support scheme is a welcome step, but is it enough because the membership is saying as proposed it is not providing sufficient financial certainty for small-scale wind farmers.
We need a more streamlined planning process and increased transparency to drive real uptake. These changes are essential if we’re serious about enabling new wind farmers large , small and community led to contribute to Ireland’s clean energy goals—this is just one of the issues we’ll address at this year’s conference.”
Untapped potential of onshore wind in Ireland
A focal point of this year’s conference is the Government’s drafted Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS), which offers one or two turbine operators a 15-year guaranteed tariff on electricity sold to the grid.
The IWFA Annual Conference aims to share insight among wind farmers, industry experts, and newcomers interested in wind energy projects. Attendees will have access to exhibitors, SME support, and interactive workshops on starting and growing wind energy operations in Ireland.
For more information or to register, visit mnag.ie
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