Ireland could become energy independent in a decade

A commitment from the government is the only thing preventing Ireland from becoming energy independent in the next ten years, it has been stated.


Professor Igor Shvets from Trinity College Dublin believes that the technology to make this a reality is already in existence and all that is needed is government support.

He made the comments at a public talk in Dublin entitled Intelligent Energy Options for the Future in Trinity’s McNeill Lecture Theatre.

The Irish Times reports that he said that Ireland currently spends €6bn each year on energy imports, but this could end if their was a drive towards renewable energy options.

He added that all the daily electricity demands of the country could be met by developing four large wind farms, with the only potential problem being catering for times of the day when demand was greater.

Furthermore, he explained that hydro power could also play a role in making sure that all demand was met.

By becoming more energy efficient, in 2007 Irish firms saved €55m in energy costs, Sustainable Energy Ireland recently stated.

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