Green grid to face feasibility study

Green energy is taking a further step forward in Scotland as energy minister Jim Mather meets with the Northern Irish government to discuss a combined renewable power grid.

Green energy is taking a further step forward in Scotland as energy minister Jim Mather meets with the Northern Irish government to discuss a combined renewable power grid.

The green energy grid - which has been proposed to serve Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland - is now the subject of a feasibility study, which will determine how, or when, construction can begin.

It is hoped the grid will be powered by wind, and will supply energy to all three regions, making the most of the renewable resources available to them.

The announcement was made as Mr Mather met Irish minister for communications, energy and natural resources Eamon Ryan in Glasgow.

"To realise the potential of the huge wind, wave and tidal resources at our disposal, we need to examine the longer term development of our grid infrastructure in partnership with government in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland," said Mr Mather.

"The feasibility study will allow us to explore the various challenges associated with the development of an offshore transmission network and help make the case for commercial investment."

The development will be groundbreaking if it goes ahead, and will lend weight to arguments across the world that wind power, as well as wave power, is a real and tangible option for renewable energy.