Ireland sees more bioenergy, solar power in future mix

Ireland will accelerate the development and diversification of renewable energy generation as part of a policy framework for a transition to a low-carbon energy system by 2050, says minister for energy Alex White.

As new renewable energy technologies such as bioenergy, solar photovoltaics (PV) and offshore energy mature and become more cost effective they will be included in the renewable energy mix, according to the energy White Paper, presented on Wednesday. Onshore wind, which accounted for 81% of the renewable electricity in Ireland in 2014, will continue to make a significant contribution.

Launch of #energywhitepaper Biomass for heating can create 5000 jobs (page 58) @DCENR @AlexWhiteTD @IrishBioenergy pic.twitter.com/MUCc1EQUdM

— Noel Gavigan (@NCGav) December 16, 2015

The document, Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030, sets out more than 90 actions, including plans for a new support scheme for the development of renewable energy technologies and a new renewable heat incentive scheme.

Ireland has a target to sources from renewables 16% of its energy consumption by 2020. White said that the country would eventually have to generate 100% of its energy needs from clean sources.

The White Paper targets a reduction in Ireland's energy-related carbon emissions by between 80% and 95%, compared to 1990 levels, by 2050. It envisages a carbon-free energy sector by 2100.

"For the first time an Irish Government has set its course on the eventual elimination of fossil fuels from our energy system," the energy minister said.

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