Energy report highlights need for ocean research

A NEW report by an Oireachtas committee on the long-term energy needs of Ireland has recommended substantial financial support for research into ocean energy.

The Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security's report focuses on the situation post-2020 and concludes wind resources should be deployed to the fullest extent.

It also emphasises the need to focus research efforts on ocean energy to avoid an unsustainable dependence on natural gas. To achieve the key aims, the report highlights the need for reform of foreshore and major improvements in access to the national grid. The report, launched yesterday, is based on a consultation process which included responses to a questionnaire on new sources of power generation after 2020. It outlines a series of actions the committee has approved.

Committee chairman Seán Barrett of Fine Gael said it will draft concrete proposals for the development of ocean energy through direct funding, incentives, R&D supports, and feed-in tariffs (to the national grid).