An international discussion platform to provoke debate on critical energy issues will take place at the first annual Robert John Kane Energy Symposium from the 27th April to the 29th of April 2011 in Drumshanbo. Hosted by the Drumshanbo Forum, the symposium will act as the first stage of a three-part programme, generating tangible and productive ideas that will be embraced in the further development of the Lough Allen Basin Smart Energy Hub.
The LABS Energy Hub is set to become a centre of excellence exemplifying energy economies of scale, with lasting benefits for the environment and rural communities, through the further development of renewable energy sources and the creation of new jobs. The LABS Energy Hub is a North West Regional initiative of Drumshanbo Forum.
“The original National Development Plan focused on Hub and Gateway towns and cities. However, with the inherent rural characteristics of renewable energy, the new NDP 2012–2019 can embrace rural areas and encourage emigrants home to work not only in their own country but in their own communities,” says Elizabeth Muldowney, energy officer with An Taisce and one of the forum members. “Energy both on a macro and micro level is one of the sectors along with agriculture and food that will rejuvenate Ireland’s economy and the LABS Energy Hub will be at the core of that rejuvenation in this region.”
The Drumshanbo Forum team believe that Ireland is in a prime position to be a renewable energy hub. Moreover, as a result of the nature of renewable energy, rural Ireland is set to be the base of this manufacturing. In line with the Innovation and Commercialisation component of the Programme for Government, the area of Energy ICT will be examined at RJK Energy with input from Intel on Smart Grids and a Taiwanese green energy company CEO. Science Foundation Ireland is supporting this initiative whole-heartedly. Another aim of the LABS Energy Hub is to develop a ‘niche tourism product’ – ie Energy Tourism which will be explored with and by Failte Ireland at the Symposium.
Registration is now open for the Robert John Kane Symposium at www.rjkenergy.com.