13. 10 760 new jobs in Ireland Many unexplored opportunities exist, these will contribute positively to green economy and jobs Vital that industry stakeholders and state bodies work together Necessary to increase investment in training Unless the current institutional barriers to steady growth of wind energy are removed many of these jobs will be lost
The benefits of wind energy have been well recognised in the Government’s Substantial targets have been set for 40% of electricity generation from renewable energy electricity by 2020. A pivotal contribution is expected from wind energy. The primary drivers for these targets have been recognition of the security of supply, cost, and price stability offered by wind energy, as well as its low impact on the environment. Wind energy’s significant environmental benefits are now well recognised. A substantial proportion of Ireland’s electricity is soon to be generated from one of the cleanest sources of electricity available. This level of electricity production from wind energy forms a key element of Ireland’s National Climate Change Strategy as well as energy strategy. CO2 : 20% reduction in 2020 relative to 1990 Renewables : 20% of total energy consumption by 2020 Energy Efficiency : 20% reduction in energy by 2020
Based on capacity factor of 30% for Electricity generation figures. Total GB consumption of 370 TWh from Redpoint Report http://www.decc.gov.uk/en/content/cms/what_we_do/uk_supply/energy_mix/renewable/res/res.aspx Other info: Estimated 66GW Peak Demand for GB Base Case Renewable Capacity: 32.7 GW Base Case Renewable Generation: 107.4 TWh