The report, carried out by a host of national and international experts, looked at a range of generation portfolios for Ireland and how the country’s power system could handle various amounts of electricity from renewable sources.

It also explored how much investment in renewable energy sources would be required and the climate change and security of supply benefits that would accrue as a result of this spending.

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan commented: “This study shows that we can do more than reach our renewable energy targets – we can surpass them.”

Indeed, the All-Island Grid Study found that it would be possible for the country to generate 42% of its electricity from renewable means by 2020.

Should this target be achieved, the country would produce 25 per cent fewer greenhouse gas emissions without impacting the economy.

The report added that a move to green energy generation would “present Ireland with new employment and enterprise opportunities”.

James Cooper

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