Energy
Renewable Energy
9.18 Future sustainable growth and development will rely on the provision of a stable and efficient energy system. The development plan aims to facilitate the provision of energy facilities to meet the needs of the city. In order to address rising energy demand, while also addressing the challenges of climate change, significant progress is required in the deployment of renewable electricity and renewable technologies. The Government’s Climate Action Plan 2019 20 , sets out a target to achieve a net zero carbon energy system by 2050. The aim is for at least 70% of Ireland’s electricity supply to be generated from renewables by 2030. The Climate Action Plan also states that increased levels of renewable generation will require very substantial investment in the energy infrastructure, including grid infrastructure. The promotion and development of renewable sources of energy and move away from fossil fuels as a source of energy will be encouraged. 9.19 The Council will support the future requirements of the major energy service providers such as EirGrid, the ESB and Bord Gáis Energy. In relation to Cork City, some relevant up-coming projects relating to the electricity grid include: • The Celtic Interconnector • The Kilbarry 110 kV Station refurbishment and Kilbarry – Knockraha 110kV Circuit Refurbishment
9.20 While Cork City’s largely urban setting limits the opportunities for large-scale renewable energy production, Cork City Council will work with stakeholders in the energy sphere including the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the Atlantic Seaboard South Climate Action Regional Office (CARO) and the Southern Regional Assembly to support the deployment of renewable energy technology, improved energy efficiency and energy conservation. Cork City Council will engage with the Southern Regional Assembly and relevant stakeholders as part of the preparation of a Regional Renewable Energy Strategy (Regional Policy Objective 98 of the Regional, Spatial and Economic Strategy for the Southern Region). Cork City Council’s Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan 2018 21 , and Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 also commit Cork to the transition to a low carbon society and economy. Renewable sources offer alternatives to fossil fuels, which help reduce carbon emissions and reliance on imported fossil fuels. They can also support local economic development and employment.
20 Government of Ireland; Climate Action Plan 2019 To Tackle Climate Breakdown 21 https://www.corkcity.ie/en/council-services/services/environment/climate-change/cork-city-council-secap-sustainable-energy -and-climate-action-plan-.html
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Cork City Draft Development Plan 2022-2028
Volume 1 I Chapter 9
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