Ireland

The growth of Irish economy pressures an energy supply which is anything but sustainable:
· gas covers 30% of the supply
· coal covers 40%
· oil covers 15%
· most of the country’s fuel is imported.

In April 1996, a national energy strategy called
“Renewable Energy – A strategy for the Future” was launched, establishing targets up to the year 2010, including specific targets for new generation capacity from wind, hydro and biomass/waste to energy sources.

At the present time Renewable Energy Supply = approx. 2%, but 10% possible by 2012.

Ireland has a large feasible resource for offshore wave energy, mostly concentrated in the West which receives powerful Atlantic swell waves. Some research into wave energy potential have been performed at UCC and the University of Limerick.


Renewables Home Page
Official government renewable energy website.

Commission for Electricity Regulation
News and information on electricity legislation in Ireland