U.S. And Ireland Talk Renewables

This week at Farmleigh House Phoenix Park, a major two-day Marine Energy and Smart Grid conference was held to focus on developments in marine renewable energy and smart grid technology and aims to create business and research opportunities between Ireland, the North and the U.S.

The event was opened by the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources in Ireland, Eamon Ryan.

The island of Ireland, located at the extreme edge of Northwest Europe, has an offshore marine territory which covers ten times its landmass and a coastline which is amongst the best in the world for offshore wind, wave and tidal resources according to industry experts.

Companies and organisations attending the two-day workshop will explore opportunities in marine energy and smart grid technology and hear about plans to develop the island's resources in this area.

The workshop will also highlight opportunities for collaborative projects and partnerships between companies across the island and those in the U.S.

The Irish Minister for Communications, Energy, and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan T.D., who opened the conference, said: "This conference will help us tap into the potential we have for renewable energy in Ireland, particularly off our coasts. Governments, business and consumers alike will reap rewards if we can harness the immense power of the oceans.

"Maximising Ireland's renewable potential, including the development of a smart grid, is Irish Government policy. Today we join with our friends in the US, those in industry and academia to eliminate any obstacles and forge ahead with the new economy."

The Northern Energy Minister Arlene Foster, who is hosting the delegates on the second day of the conference at Stormont, said: "Northern Ireland has a strong renewable energy sector with significant growth potential. By profiling our local capabilities and geographic location, global energy companies will be encouraged to access our technology, skills and advanced expertise.

"Their market presence will also give local companies the opportunity to network and compete for supply chain opportunities in export markets.

"As a key investment area, Invest NI is offering advice and support to companies who wish to take advantage of the multi million business opportunities in marine, wind and bio-energy technologies."

The U.S. Ambassador to Ireland Daniel M. Rooney, who also attended the conference and hosted a reception for attendees on Monday night, said: "We are very pleased to co-host this important conference with both governments and are delighted that we had such strong participation from senior U.S. government officials, which is yet another example of the close ties between the U.S. and the island of Ireland.

"The turnout and the discussion we will have today also indicate the vast potential for future collaboration by companies and research institutions on both sides of the Atlantic. At our reception ... we expect to announce a couple of significant business partnerships."

The exclusive event brings together industry leaders, key energy researchers and Government officials to create greater collaboration in marine energy and smart grid business development and research between the island of Ireland, North and South and the U.S.

In addition to the Ambassador, the U.S. government is represented by Rod O'Connor, Chief of Staff to U.S. Energy Secretary Dr. Steven Chu, and Dr. Kristina Johnson, Under Secretary at the U.S. Department of Energy. Johnson spoke to the attendees via live video from Washington, D.C.