Renewable energy target to be doubled

A Green Paper to be submitted to cabinet shortly by Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey, is expected to outline proposals to reduce Ireland’s dependence on fossil fuels, such as oil and gas.

The current target for the amount of energy to be derived from renewable sources is 13.2 per cent. There is a political consensus that renewable energy will play a more critical role in the country’s future policy as energy prices continue to rise and supplies of oil and gas remain volatile.

Last week, a report launched by the joint committee on energy recommended an Oireachtas debate on nuclear energy.

The committee, chaired by Fianna Fail Cork North Central TD Noel O’Flynn, expressed concern about the growing number of energy supply shortages and urged increased use of renewable energy to reduce reliance on fuel imports.

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