Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten has paid tribute to renewable energy innovator Eddie O’Connor, who was at the cutting edge of energy in Ireland.
Born in Elphin, Co. Roscommon, Mr O’Connor understood the local economic importance of Bord Na Mona when he became its Chief Executive after holding a number of managerial positions at the ESB.
After leaving Bord na Móna, he moved into the emerging wind energy sector, founding Airtricity (now SSE Airtricity), which has continually strengthened and grown in the years since.
Denis Naughten TD said that he believes his greatest achievement, one he sadly won’t see to fruition, is the establishment of a European super-grid for transporting electricity across Europe.
His company, SuperNode Ltd, plans to transport wind energy from the West and solar energy from the south directly into the heart of continental Europe, aiming to make the European Union’s energy system clean, green, and secure for future generations.
Deputy Naughten extended his deepest sympathies to Eddie’s wife Hildegarde, children Lesley and Robert, and the extended O’Connor family on their profound loss.
