Welcome for EU renewable energy target announced today
14 June, 2018
The Irish Wind Energy Association has welcomed the deal struck early this morning which sets a legally binding EU-wide target of 32 per cent for renewable energy by 2030.
IWEA is calling on Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Denis Naughten, in setting Ireland’s energy targets for 2030, to aim to provide 70 per cent of Ireland’s electricity through renewables.
Mr David Connolly, CEO of IWEA, said: “Now that agreement has been reached at an EU level we need to focus on what Ireland is going to do.
“Last year wind energy alone provided more than 26 per cent of Ireland’s electricity needs but we must continue investing in onshore wind energy, to grow our offshore portfolio and to support the development of other renewable energy technologies.
“If we do this, it is absolutely possible and more cost-effective to provide 70 per cent of our electricity from renewables by 2030 and we would urge Minister Denis Naughten to set this as Ireland’s target.
“This can be done. But we need more leadership from the Government, a greater sense that the scale of the challenge – and the opportunity – before us is understood and the determination to meet it.”
ENDS
Justin Moran
Head of Communications and Public Affairs
Mob: +353 87 703 7770
Email: justin@iwea.com