Case Study: Wind Energy Development at a Community Level in County Tipperary, Ireland

Seamus Hoyne, Tipperary Energy Agency Ltd, Tipperary, Ireland

Presentation at: ManagEnergy European Conference on Local Energy Action: The Annual Event of Energy Management Agents in Europe 28-29 November 2002, Brussels, Belgium

Slides | Case Study (185 Kb) | Proceedings and Recordings

Summary

One of the key benefits of renewable energy which is often quoted is the ability for these energy sources to be developed at a local level bringing local benefits. However, it is often the case that this particular benefit can often be the most difficult to maximise.

This paper deals specifically with a community based in Templederry, Co. Tipperary, Ireland which is seeking to develop wind energy as part of the 'Environmental Protection' goal within their Community Development Plan. A feasibility study was completed on wind energy, the community group then purchased an anemometer and erected this on a site, selected in conjunction with the Tipperary Energy Agency (TEA).

It is the opinion of the Agency that this is the first community group in Ireland to actually own and utilise an anemometer. The community group can now, and are, assessing the energy resource in their area and will then move to discuss with wind developers now this can be best harnessed such that the benefits to the community are maximised. The community has taken ownership of another of the resources in their area 'the wind' and is moving towards utilising this effectively.

Results

It should be noted that given the current conditions in relation to wind development in Ireland in terms of price paid per kWh of electricity produced the Templederry region could not be considered to be ideal. There are few areas with average wind speeds above 8.5 m/s and indeed it is projected that the wind speeds in the site selected will be in the region of 6.5-7.5 m/s. However, the community has sought to link with relevant lobby groups such as Meitheal na Gaoithe (Irish Wind Farm Co-operative) to seek specific support for community based projects such as theirs to improve their economic viability.

The site selected has the potential to accommodate at a minimum two 850 kW wind turbines.

While wind energy can be said to have moved into the main stream in terms of technology and access to finance the initial capital intensity of the industry often makes community groups unsure as to how to overcome this barrier.

As with similar rural communities in Ireland a significant excess of investment capital does not exist within the community to fund the development of this project. A Community Co-operative has been formed and a specific Wind Energy Co-operative will lead the development of this project. There may be opportunities for the Co-operative to raise the capital through loans but the risk levels and rates at which capital could be borrowed would be excessive. At present it would seem therefore that the community will have to link with a wind energy developer to move the project to implementation.

There are a number of mechanisms through which this could be achieved and these are currently beginning to be assessed.

The mechanism which will be selected must:

• ensure that level of community ownership is maximized;
• provide for least difficulty in terms of administration;
• is transparent and agreed within the community;
• provide an equal opportunity for investment and return within the community.

Even a 10 % stake within the community in the initial proposed project could require a total of €170,000 to be raised. It is envisaged at present that a co-operative will be established as a mechanism for managing community input and ownership. This co-operative will manage the investment and potential profits from the wind development.

To date there are no physical environmental benefits i.e. Tonnes of CO₂ reduced. However, the level of environmental awareness has increased, particularly due to the erection of the anemometer. The Agency is currently working with the community group to determine the level of green house gases in the community and how the development of renewable energy and forestry can abate these emissions, in line with our National Kyoto requirements.

To find similar reports, click on a keyword below:
Local Government : ManagEnergy : Planning issues : Regional Government : Renewable Energy Sources & Systems : Sustainable Communities : Wind Energy

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TEA - Tipperary Energy Agency Limited