The Irish wind industry has launched a publicity campaign to highlight its potential to replace costly fossil fuel imports.
Devised by advertising agency Rothco with the Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA), the “Power To Power Ourselves” campaign says the country is in a “unique” position to decrease its “astonishing” 85% reliance on imported energy.
“Harnessing wind energy – along with other renewable resources – could end that reliance, restoring our energy independence and showing the world how to live without fossil fuels,” the campaign’s website says.
A video based on the John F Kennedy’s address to the Irish parliament in 1963 in which he said Ireland could become a world leader has also been launched.
“As a nation, we have a long and proud history of punching above our weight,” the campaign says.
“We’ve shown the world how a small country can be a leader on the global stage. And now we have the chance to do so again, but this opportunity has far reaching consequences for Ireland and the entire planet.
“There are few places on earth better located to harness the power of the wind. Our island’s unique position on the edge of the Atlantic might bring some inclement weather, but it surrounds us with a valuable natural resource.”
The campaign is support by a number of wind developers including ABO Wind, Bord na Mona, Coillte, ESB and Gaelectric with turbine suppliers Siemens, Enercon and Nordex also involved.
Image: a 3.6MW GE turbine at Arklow Bank in Ireland (NREL)
Irish eyes on wind potential
Publicity campaign focuses on sector's value in cutting energy imports
By EBS