Renewables developers need more support from local politicians in Ireland, a senior Statkraft executive has said.
Kevin O’Donovan, the managing director of Statkraft Ireland and a senior vice president at Statkraft (pictured), said he is encouraged by Ireland’s national commitments to renewable energy development.
He said he is “hugely positive” about Ireland as a location for Statkraft and said the firm will be extremely active in the market.
However, he said more support is needed at a local level.
Speaking at Wind Energy Ireland’s 2023 trade show, he said: “We’re in 12 different markets and Ireland is impressive with strong policy guidance. Politicians are saying the right things, but we’re not hearing enough champions at a local level.
“In Scotland, it’s the councillors who drive growth in the sector.
“They see the benefits to the country, we don’t get that in Ireland still. It is something the government parties have a responsibility to work on.
“This [meeting Ireland’s renewable targets] will need strong local support from the political side of things.”
O’Donovan said many local councillors are lagging behind residents, who he said tend to be extremely engaged with renewable projects.
“People at the doorstep are very clued in. People understand the link between energy prices and ask ‘what’s in it for us?’ and do also talk about the negatives of wind.
“People have moved on and the political system needs to catch up.”
Based in Norway, Statkraft is one of Europe’s largest renewable energy developers.
The company has built up a significant Irish business since entering the market in 2018, with a pipeline of 4GW of onshore, offshore, solar, battery and grid services projects.
In August it purchased a portfolio of operating wind farms from London-listed investment firm The Renewables Infrastructure Group for €25m.
Earlier this week, Statkraft opened a new office in Cork Airport Business Park.