Energy policy: We’re still in the dark

The Celtic Tiger’s roar may have moderated to a growl, but Ireland’s demand for energy shows no sign of abating.

A report by the National Grid recently raised the spectre of power cuts unless a new power plant was commissioned by 2009.This is in addition to the three new independent plants at Tynagh, Aughinish and Viridian’s second plant at Huntstown.

Electricity demand in Ireland continues to grow at a rate of 4 per cent a year – almost double the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) average.

‘‘We’re badly exposed,” Ryan said. ‘‘If George W Bush is saying that America is addicted to oil, we’re crack cocaine addicts when it comes to gas.”

Sunday Business Post