01 June 2010 Ireland ahead of targets for renewable energy
Ireland is already getting more than 15% of its energy from renewable sources, a considerably higher percentage than that currently achieved by the UK. Ireland says it has already met its self-imposed target of 15% by the end of 2010. The UK is likely to be hard pressed to meet its own target of 10% by the end of the financial year 2010/11. "The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland report shows that last year Ireland generated 14.5% of its electricity from renewable sources. Our target for 2010 was 15%, which EirGrid tell me has already been reached" said Irish Minister for Communications and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan. "I have always said that our targets will not be the limits of our ambition and this report proves our success has been greater than we had earlier imagined. "Today's report proves that we are on track to meet our 2020 target to have 40% of Ireland's electricity produced from renewable energy. "Every year Ireland loses €6 billion abroad in the importation of fossil fuels. "Harnessing the power of the wind and sun in Ireland reduces this bill as well as carbon emissions, benefitting the economy as well as the environment. "Our work on ocean energy has the potential to develop the immense power ocean and seas off our shores. For the full news article and to be taken to the website, click here | 
