In Ballina last month Mr. Paddy McGuinness, Chairperson of the Western Development Commission officially launched the GREBE project and renewable energy seminar. The launch and seminar provided us with great opportunities to share experiences of renewable energy development in the project area, and meet with some of the renewable energy entrepreneurs in the Western Region.
The activities of the GREBE Project were outlined by the project co-ordinator Pauline Leonard, who added that “GREBE will equip SMEs and start-ups with the skills and confidence to overcome these challenges of their location and use place based natural assets for renewable energy to sustainable effect. The renewable energy sector contributes to sustainable regional and rural development and has potential for future growth”.
Pauline Leonard, GREBE Project Co-ordinator with the Western Development Commission welcomed the attendees and outlined the details of the GREBE project, how it was developed and the work which will be carried out over the three years.
Pauline Leonard, WDC & GREBE Project Coordinator – ‘About the GREBE Project’
Michael Doran of Action Renewables in Northern Ireland, outlined renewable energy policy and funding mechanisms and how the GREBE project will progress this area.
Michael Doran Action Renewables – ‘Renewable Energy Policy & Funding Mechanisms’
Peter Wide of Narvik Science Park and Arna Lara Jonsdottir of Innovation Center Iceland discussed the influence of environment conditions and climatic challenges which the partner regions face.
Arna Lara Jonsdottir, ICI – ‘The Influence of Environmental Conditions’
Peter Wide, Narvik Science Park – ‘The Influence of Environmental Conditions’
Neil James of the Environmental Research Institute in Scotland presented linking renewable energy technology and resources in the partner regions.
Neil James, ERI – ‘Linking Renewable Energy Technologies & Resources’
Lasse Okkonen of Karelia University of Applied Sciences and Una Porteous of Fermanagh & Omagh District Council presented details on renewable energy opportunities and business development support which will be available through the GREBE project.
Lasse Okkonen, Karelia UAS – ‘Renewable Energy Opportunities & Business Development Support’
Una Porteous, FODC – ‘Renewable Energy Opportunities & Business Development Support’
Lauri Sikanen from the Natural Resources Institute (LUKE) in Finland, presented details on the renewable energy sector in Finland and the benefits of knowledge and technology transfer and sharing.
Lauri Sikanen, LUKE – ‘Knowledge & Technology Transfer & Business Delivery’
GREBE Renewable Energy blog 