Green Limerick: ‘Blown away’ by new wind energy course

THE University of Limerick (UL) and Green Tech Skillnet have launched a new course, aimed at enhancing impact assessment capabilities of the onshore wind energy sector.

Green Tech Skillnet, one of 70 Skillnet Business Networks nationwide, in partnership with the UL, has launched the new micro-credential programme dedicated to enhancing expertise in Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) within the onshore wind energy sector.

Green Tech Skillnet supports businesses in the renewable energy and green technology sectors.

The new innovative course aims to meet the increasing demand for professionals who have specialised knowledge in EIA for onshore wind farms.

Green Party TD for Limerick city and chair of Oireachtas Climate Committee, Deputy Brian Leddin said: “The state is embarking on an unprecedented expansion of energy and grid infrastructure, and this will run for decades. We have set a huge ambition, but we can only realise it if we have skilled professionals in environmental planning, administration, engineering and many other disciplines.

“The micro-credentials courses are a way of ramping up our skills capacity as quickly as possible while also opening varied and rewarding opportunities for our workforce”.

READ MORE: Major funding boost for ‘crucial’ climate projects

The programme, which was designed with input from industry experts, will commence on October 7, 2024. The course content will feature insights from focus groups and guest lecturers operating in the wind energy sector to meet the skills needs of professionals.

“Supporting renewable energy for society and commerce is of significant strategic importance to UL,” said Geraldine Carroll, associate vice president of Graduate and Professional Studies, at UL.

“We are delighted to partner with Green Tech Skillnet in lending excellent expertise to meet the professional upskilling needs of enterprise.”

The course delves into the latest EU policy directives and Irish national legislation governing EIAs, and offers practical insights through in-depth analysis of EIA case studies relevant to wind energy.

It is designed to equip participants with the expertise needed to contribute effectively to the sustainable development of this rapidly growing sector.

Eoin Morton, head of policy and public affairs at Skillnet Ireland, said: “Ensuring we have a skilled workforce to support the planning and development of infrastructure projects will enable Ireland to be a world leader in the renewable energy sector.

“What sets this micro-credential qualification apart is its unique focus on delivering a comprehensive understanding of the EIA process within the onshore wind energy landscape, making it the first of its kind in Ireland.”

Aimed not only at environmental consultants or project managers, this course also caters to government officials, regulatory compliance officers, legal professionals, and developers and investors in the wind energy sector.

Individuals with a degree or experience in the energy sector are encouraged to apply.

Mark Ruane, network manager at Green Tech Skillnet, said “the significance” of this course “lies in its ability to address a critical gap in industry-specific education”