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Energy

Renewable Energy use up 21%

The Energy in Ireland report 1990-2008 was published recently and shows that more than 12% of our electricity now comes from renewables and the use of renewables rose 21% in one year alone. This is excellent progress.

Over 15,000 Green Jobs

I undertook research in my Department to assess the extent of the Green Economy in Ireland in terms of job creation. It showed that some 15,400 jobs have been announced in this sector since the Green Party entered Government. We also published our plans to develop a “Green IFSC”, Green data centres, to streamline investment [...]

North Seas Grid

In early December, a political Declaration was signed for the development of a renewable electricity “SuperGrid” in the North Seas area. It was signed by nine European countries including Ireland and the UK, the Benelux countries, Sweden, Denmark, France and Germany. It will build on work already carried out to date, and will further assist [...]

Insulation Schemes

It’s time to start thinking of home insulation, to make our homes more comfortable and to cut down on heating bills. I’ve made funding available for grant assistance, under the Home Energy Saving Scheme and I’d encourage all interested to apply as soon as possible. Insulation works including roof and attic insulation, external and cavity [...]

Biofuels Obligation

From July next year, fuel suppliers in Ireland will have to include an average of 4% biofuels in their annual fuel sales. The Obligation will be on the companies in question and will exist at no cost to the taxpayer. The biofuels used must be sustainably sourced, and must produce 35% less greenhouse gases than [...]

European Funding for Irish energy projects

The European Investment Bank delivered €500m to develop renewable energy in Ireland (wind, ocean and biomass). EirGrid received assistance to develop the new electricity interconnector between Ireland and Wales, which will allow us to sell increased amounts of our renewable energy on the European market. The state electricity supplier ESB received funding to further develop [...]

The Home Energy Saving Scheme

As part of our economic stimulus plan the Government has provided €100 million to
improve the insulation of existing homes which will help create some 3,000 jobs in the construction sector this year. Half of this budget is being provided for the Home Energy Savings Scheme
which is designed to help people improve energy efficiency in their [...]

Save Money, Save Energy – The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan

I had the honor of launching The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan with energy efficiency expert Amory Lovins, Cofounder Chairman, and Chief Scientist of Rocky Mountain Institute www.rmi.org.
Currently one fifth of all our energy is unused. Such waste with an expensive commodity makes no sense. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan will change the way [...]

Electric Vehicles in Ireland

In November I announced plans to make 10% of our road transport fleet electrically powered by 2020. Last month an agreement was made between the Government, ESB and Renault / Nissan which will not only help us realise that target, but surpass it. We will see these electric vehicles on our streets within 2 years.
The [...]

Microgeneration

New measures have been introduced to encourage electricity generation in homes, farms and businesses across Ireland. This includes a support price of 19 cent per kilowatt hour of electricity produced. This means you can generate your own electricity and be paid for the excess you don’t use.

This competitive feed-in tariff will apply to the first [...]

National Smart Metering Plan launched September 2008

Over the next five years, every home in Ireland will have a smart meter. A national smart metering initiative is a key commitment under the Programme for Government and is crucial to Ireland’s policy to save energy and money through the use of this cutting-edge technology.

Smart meters track the energy use in your home on [...]

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