The Irish Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan yesterday announced that the country has achieved its 2010 target of generating 15% electricity from renewable sources.

“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,” he said.

The report also indicates that Ireland is on course to meet its 2020 target of generating 40% of its electricity from renewable sources.

Ryan says Ireland is already harnessing the region’s wind and solar resources, and is now actively exploring marine energy.

“[This] report proves that we are on the right track securing the future of Ireland’s energy supplies and positioning Ireland as a world leader in green, home-grown energy,” he commented.

The Government says it remains committed to its renewable energy agenda, he says, and will hope to surpass its 2020 target.

For further information:

www.gov.ie/en/

www.seai.ie/

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Deal with Renault-Nissan puts electric cars on Ireland’s roads (13-Apr)

Ireland launches smart meter customer trial (12-Jan)

Ireland gets €500 million boost from bank for renewables (29-Sept 2009)

28 May 2010