Eddie O'Connor talks Renewable Energy and the Supergrid Solution: Part 1

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Aug 31, 2023

Eddie O'Connor, co-founder and chairman of Mainstream Renewable Power, shares his expertise in renewable energy. He discusses Ireland's innovative energy planning and the critical need for a supergrid to stabilize power supply. The conversation highlights the economic benefits of renewables, including cost savings and energy stability. O'Connor also addresses the challenges of floating wind turbines and the vital infrastructure required on Ireland's coast for future energy solutions. His insights pave the way for a sustainable, decarbonized energy future.

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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Award and Missed Opportunity

Eddie O'Connor was nominated as world energy policy leader for offshore wind in 2002 by Scientific American.
Ireland didn't capitalize on offshore wind potential due to perceived high costs.

INSIGHT

Long-Term Vision for Energy

Ireland needs long-term "cathedral thinking" for energy planning like the Ardnacrusha hydroelectric power station.
Ireland possesses vast offshore wind resources crucial for European decarbonization.

INSIGHT

Continental Thinking for Renewables

National grids operate in isolation, hindering renewable energy adoption.
A continental approach, focusing on interconnectedness, is essential for renewable energy transformation.

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This is the first of two episodes! Finbarr delves into renewable energy and the supergrid solution with Eddie O'Connor. This content was so interesting, we had to divide it into two parts! If you have any interest in renewable energy, where Ireland is now, or what we can expect in the future, this episode is for you.

If you would like to know more, we highly recommend Eddie's new book, 'Supergrid - Super Solution'. Check out the link below.

"As we live through an energy crisis, this book sets out how electricity can get the world off fossil fuels and accelerate to a zero-carbon world. The essential element in this transformation is a supergrid to transmit vast amounts of power quickly to where it's most needed."

Eddie O'Connor is an Irish businessman who is co-founder and chairman of Mainstream Renewable Power, a renewable energy group.

O'Connor holds a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (1970) and a master's in industrial engineering (1976), both from University College Dublin and has a doctorate in business administration from the International Management Centres, Europe. After completing his bachelor's degree, he joined the Electricity Supply Board of Ireland, where he held several managerial positions until he left in 1987 to become chief executive officer at Bord na Móna.

He is an honorary Director of the European Wind Energy Association. In 2003, O'Connor was named World Energy Policy Leader by Scientific American magazine. In September 2009, he was presented with the first-ever Leadership Award at the annual Ernst & Young Global Renewable Energy Awards. In June 2008, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Science from University College Dublin. In January 2014, he was awarded an honorary doctorate in Science from the University of Hull. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of Imperial College London's Energy Futures Lab.

In 2010, O'Connor was awarded the UCD Foundation Day Medal for his outstanding contribution to engineering.

https://www.omahonys.ie/supergrid-super-solution-p-10545097.html

This episode is produced by the KBS Digital Hub-Grzegorz Rogala