Ireland goes to the polls today in a General Election which could see significant change to government policy on renewables.
Voting to elect TDs to the Dail kicked off this morning. Based on polling, analysts have predicted an uncertain outcome with the incumbent Fine Gael and Labour coalition struggling to retain power.
Irish renewables, in particular the onshore wind industry, is nervously awaiting the outcome with a number of parties promising changes to national policy in onshore and offshore wind, solar and biomass.
Fine Gael has committed to introducing new onshore wind farm planning regulations if reelected while Labour has said it wants a “diversification” of the country’s renewable portfolio.
Opposition party Fianna Fail has promised a “full economic review of wind energy” while Sinn Fein says it will introduce “proper regulation” of wind turbines. Both parties are expected to make gains.
The current coalition’s election manifestos have also ruled out significant changes to the export-only offshore wind policy.
Image: Brookfield’s Knockacummer wind farm in Cork (Bord Gais)
