06/03/2008

€200m For Energy-Related Research And Development

Industry and Government are to work together to unlock immense economic and environmental opportunities, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said at Energy Forum 2008 today.

Over 400 key players in the energy industry in Ireland, five Ministers and two Ministers of State attended the sustainable energy conference in Dublin.

Its aim was for Government to interact with the industry in order for Ireland to become a world leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Mr Ahern said: "Our objective is an energy policy based on secure sources of supply that promotes competitiveness, and is environmentally sustainable.

"The Government intends to provide the enabling environment for Ireland to unlock the immense opportunities that this new energy era can bring to our economy in job creation and inward investment."

The Taoiseach confirmed that the Government will invest over €200 million in energy-related Research and Development. He said: "Today's announcement is significant and shows our determination to honour our commitments in this important area under the Programme for Government.

"Through Research and Development Ireland can take a lead in developing environmental solutions and products. This investment will achieve a win/win situation of improved competitiveness and environmental performance.

"The €200 million will be made available over the next 5 years," He added.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley said: "Everything we do in relation to sustainable energy - be it the promotion of energy efficiency, the fostering of a vibrant renewable electricity sector or the development of a domestic market for biomass - will contribute to reducing Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions."

(VB/JM)

Related Irish News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

06 July 2018
An Garda Síochána Saves Over €9m In Energy Costs
An Garda Síochána has saved more than €9 million in energy costs after becoming the first police force in the world to achieve the globally recognised international energy management standard (ISO 50001).
13 January 2011
Carnegie To Explore Marine Energy Potential
Australian renewables developer Carnegie Wave Energy has agreed a deal with the Irish Government to explore potential sites for marine energy installations around the country's coastline.
01 February 2010
Wind Farm Academy To Boost Donegal
A National Wind Energy Academy is being established at Letterkenny Institute of Technology as part of a €500,000 initiative being backed by the Donegal County Development Board. The first phase will see the development of a wind turbine maintenance programme which will be delivered in conjunction with BZEE, a German centre for renewable energy.
15 April 2019
IEA Publish Review Of Ireland's Energy Policies
A review of Ireland's Energy Policies that acknowledges significant change and progress in recent years has today been published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The study revealed that Ireland now has the third highest share of wind generated electricity among all 30 countries in the IEA.
13 April 2018
Irish Carbon Emissions Almost 60% Above EU Average - Report
A new report has revealed that carbon emissions in Ireland are among the highest in Europe, with Ireland beating the European average by 58%. According to the report, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), the increase is due to the greater use of high-carbon fuels including oil, coal and peat.