Response to passing of wind energy pioneer Eddie O’Connor

06 Jan 2024

Wind Energy Ireland has issued a statement responding to the passing today of Mr Eddie O’Connor, describing him as one of the creators of Ireland’s wind energy industry and a visionary who never stopped working for a cleaner, more prosperous, energy future.

Noel Cunniffe, CEO of Wind Energy Ireland, said: “On behalf of our members and staff I would like to express our condolences to Eddie O’Connor’s wife, Hildegard, his family and his many colleagues and friends in Ireland and around the world.

“Eddie O’Connor revolutionised how we produce and use energy in this country. Ireland’s wind energy industry was built on the foundations he and others laid in the 1990s and their vision of a cleaner, more prosperous, energy future for all of us.

“In recent years he has pioneered the idea of a trans-European supergrid, an electricity transmission system that can be the foundation of an energy independent Europe, no longer reliant on imported fossil fuels, delivering warmer homes, cleaner air and leading the response to the global climate emergency.

“Working together to make this idea a reality, to achieve energy independence and to build a clean energy future, is the best way to honour a man who gave so much to our industry and to this country.”