Confirmation of a $330 million energy deal in the US by Dublin based Airtricity shows Irish companies can lead the way in the development of renewable energy, the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheal Martin, has said.

The deal was signed at the beginning of an Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission to Washington, New York and Boston which is aimed at supporting Irish companies operating on the east coast of the US.

Speaking in Washington DC where he attended the signing of the agreement between Airtricity and General Electric, Minister Martin noted the following this deal Airtricity is now the fifth largest generator of wind power in the United States.

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“I am a strong believer that the move towards greener and cleaner energy should not be viewed as a challenge for Irish industry but as an opportunity for our companies to lead the way in new technology to meet our power needs both at home and abroad.

“Under this deal Airtricity will continue the development of windfarms in Texas with turbines provided by General Electric. The rapid growth of Airtricity has been impressive by any standards. This Irish company now employs 400 people with 15 windfarms in Ireland, Scotland and the United States.

"It is recognised as a major player in the efforts by Texas to switch from traditional energy sources to cleaner energy."

Minister Martin added that it is fitting that the deal should be signed on an Enterprise Ireland Trade Mission. "Enterprise Ireland is committed to supporting Irish firms which are meeting the demands for greener energy and ensuring that our technology is at the forefront as more countries switch to cleaner power," concluded the Minister.

(JM)