Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU1Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU Transnational cooperation in Renewable Energy L+ OBSERVATORY SEMINAR New Know-how and New Technologies in Rural Areas Kauhajoki, FINLAND Paul Keating Irish LEADER Support Unit

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU2Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU What do we mean by Renewable Energy? What do we mean by Renewable Energy? Why is this important to LEADER+ ? Why is this important to LEADER+ ? The Irish Experience The Irish Experience Transnational Cooperation and Added Value. Transnational Cooperation and Added Value. Content of Presentation

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU3Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU What do we mean by Renewable Energy? Renewable sources of energy are those that do not run out – they tap the natural energy flows of the planet, such as water, wind and sunlight. Renewable sources of energy are those that do not run out – they tap the natural energy flows of the planet, such as water, wind and sunlight.

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU4Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU What do we mean by Renewable Energy?

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU5Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU What do we mean by Renewable Energy? Bioenergy Bioenergy Small Scale Hydro Small Scale Hydro Solar Solar –Voltaic –Thermal Wind Energy Wind Energy Geothermal Geothermal Other Renewables Other Renewables Rational Use of Energy Rational Use of Energy

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU6Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU What do we mean by Renewable Energy? Focusing on Bioenergy Focusing on Bioenergy –Biogas (Electricity + Heat Production) –Biofuels (for Transport) –Woodfuels (for Domestic, Industrial Heating +CHP)

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU7Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU Why is this important to LEADER+ Central to European Commission Energy and Environment Policy. Central to European Commission Energy and Environment Policy. Overlapping objectives with LEADER+ Overlapping objectives with LEADER+ –Building Sustainable Communities –Using the LEADER method This is a growth area within Rural Development This is a growth area within Rural Development It makes economic, social and environmental sense at local level. It makes economic, social and environmental sense at local level.

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU8Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU Why is this important to LEADER+ Renewable Energy cuts across the LEADER+ themes Renewable Energy cuts across the LEADER+ themes –The use of new technologies –Making best use of Natural and cultural resources –Improving quality of life –Adding value to local produce LEADER has links to both Community and Private Enterprise interests. LEADER has links to both Community and Private Enterprise interests.

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU9Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU Nature of LEADER+ involvement in Ireland Stimulating the Sector through Training and promotion Stimulating the Sector through Training and promotion Feasibility Assessment/Technical Support Feasibility Assessment/Technical Support Capital Grant Assistance Capital Grant Assistance Network Development Network Development

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU10Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU Strength of LEADER as a vehicle for supporting Renewable Energy Provides the space to take risks Contacts at community level Part of European network Bringing together a broad range of actors and expertise at local level Integrated into broader Rural Development LEADER companies administer other programmes The LEADER method is proven and gaining currency

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU11Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU Case Study “OIL FROM THE SOIL” The LAG: The LAG: Wexford Organization for Rural Development (WORD) The Project: The Project: Bio-diesel From Rape Seed Oil The Promoter: The Promoter: Biogreen Energy Products The Network: Wexford Renewable Fuels The Network: Wexford Renewable Fuels

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU12Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU The Benefits Local Economy Local Economy Farmers, Processers, Installers The Environment The Environment Land Use, Carbon Emissions Local Community Local Community Sustainability, shared achievement

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU13Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU The Challenges Lack of Local Expertese Lack of Local Expertese National policy Restrictions National policy Restrictions Operational Challenges Operational Challenges –Cash flow for suppliers –Time Commitment at project development stage Promoting this Technology Promoting this Technology

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU14Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU Transnational co-operation and added value. There is a varying range of experience in this sector across the member states. There is a varying range of experience in this sector across the member states. –Introducing innovation –Mentoring/Training There are common resources in different regions There are common resources in different regions Facilitate further partnerships and networks Facilitate further partnerships and networks Demonstrate the effectiveness of the LEADER method in developing this sector. Demonstrate the effectiveness of the LEADER method in developing this sector.

Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU15Saturday 9th AprilPaul Keating ILSU Summary of Key Points The objectives of the Renewable Energy Sector and LEADER programme overlap. The objectives of the Renewable Energy Sector and LEADER programme overlap. Renewable Energy is a growing priority within the EU. Renewable Energy is a growing priority within the EU. There is a substantial learning to be shared between member states. There is a substantial learning to be shared between member states.