Supply of Renewable Energy in Ireland Thrives

The figures reveal an increase in renewable contribution to electricity. Final consumption of electricity increased by 2.5 percent in 2004, though the carbon intensity of electricity continued to fall in 2004, reaching 627 g CO2/kWh. This was brought about by a 41 percent reduction in peat in the generation fuel mix and a 22 percent increase in renewable energy contribution.

Wind generation was primarily responsible for the increase in supply of renewable energy with 44 percent more electricity generated by wind compared with 2003. The reduction in peat generation was due to the closure of older peat stations and a slight decrease in domestic consumption.

"While energy consumption continues to increase, it is encouraging to see that the supply mix is going in the right direction with the growth in renewables," said David Taylor, SEI chief executive. "However, overall Ireland's energy use continues to produce large quantities of carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change. It is imperative that the uptake of sustainable energy technologies continues and accelerates, to ensure we continue to work towards combating the negative impacts of climate change in Ireland."

Sustainable Energy Ireland, established in 2002 to promote and assist the development of sustainable energy in Ireland, is funded by the Irish Government under the National Development Plan 2000-2006 with programs partly financed by the European Union.