Energy company Energia has announced a €3 billion investment in Ireland over the next five years.

The investment in renewable energy generation will create 200 direct jobs and between 3,000 to 5,000 construction jobs.

Energia has operated in Ireland for 20 years and employs 800 people across the island of Ireland.

The investment in renewable energy projects will include the development of onshore and offshore wind farms, solar power, hydrogen fuel generations, bio energy facilities and the smart grid.

Energia said this was in line with the Government's commitment to increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources from its current rate of 30% to 70% by 2030.

It said it would make a very significant difference to the energy infrastructure in the country and to how consumers use energy here in the future.

Energia Group CEO Ian Thom said: "Our decision to invest over €3 billion in renewable technology and energy infrastructure in the coming years is a clear signal of our intent to build on our continuous commitment to Irish communities, the economy and the sustainability of Ireland's energy supply while contributing decisively to decarbonisation and the protection of our domestic and global environment."

Energia announce a €3 billion investment in renewable technology over the next five years creating 200 direct jobs and between 3-5000 construction jobs @rtenews pic.twitter.com/62WxXLoonV — Samantha Libreri (@SamanthaLibreri) July 1, 2019

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton said: "We are committing to generating 70% of our electricity from renewable sources by 2030 under the Climate Action Plan.

"Decarbonising our electricity supply is crucial to all the changes we are making as we make the transition away from fossil fuels.

"The move to electric vehicles for example, will only be effective if the electricity being used has been generated from renewable sources.

"This investment by Energia, will boost Ireland's capacity, with over €3 billion being invested in onshore and offshore wind, solar, hydrogen fuel generation and bio-energy facilities."