Energy: Roadmap to a low-carbon economy
Friday, May 13th, 2011Investments in energy efficiency and Europe’s power network infrastructure would create a decarbonised power sector just as reliable as the current one, according to Dries Acke of the European Climate Foundation. Meadhbh Monahan reports. Achieving an 80 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 1990 levels by 2050 is the aim of an initiative by the European Climate Foundation (ECF). Reaching this EU target is only possible with a nearly zero-carbon power supply, according to researchers. Dries Acke, the ECF’s spokesman, told the 2011 Irish Renewable Energy Summit that...[full story]
Energy: Time to review energy
Friday, May 13th, 2011David Taylor calls for a re-think, nearly four years on from the Energy White Paper. “When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?” John Maynard Keynes’ quote provides a good cue for the review of Irish energy policy promised in the Government’s Energy White Paper of 2007. The Energy Institute commissioned the ESRI to review policy in its renewable energy and security of supply aspects to underpin its submission to government. Our intent was not to be prescriptive; rather to draw attention to the evidence and commend a programme of work to inform the policy options. The...[full story]
Cover story: At the heart of economic recovery – Pat Rabbitte
Friday, May 13th, 2011Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte tells Owen McQuade about his energy priorities and plans to get people back to work and “wave goodbye to the ECB.” Pat Rabbitte was not a reluctant Energy Minister, but was surprised to have been allocated the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources portfolio because that was the only department he hasn’t been involved in throughout his 22 years as a TD. However, he has been getting to grips with his remit since 9 March and sees his department as being “about the future” and “at the...[full story]
Environment: Incentivising the green
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010Better incentives are needed to convince homes and businesses to invest in renewable energy, Duncan Stewart tells Meadhbh Monahan. The green economy is too often just “rhetoric” according to the popular sustainable architect, who believes that Ireland has much green potential but few incentives for businesses and homes to follow this through. While thousands of viewers tune in to ‘About the House’ each week to see how to sustainably renovate their homes and discuss relevant environmental issues, when it comes to large scale sustainability – such as sustainable communities –...[full story]
Environment: Supporting the green enterprise economy
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010IBEC’s recently appointed Head of Energy and Environmental Policy Dr Neil Walker talks to Owen McQuade about the green agenda for Irish business. The first question for IBEC’s Neil Walker is whether the environment is still high on the business agenda in the midst of the current economic crisis. He replies that energy and environment issues continue to have a major potential impact on industrial competitiveness. He cites a recent IBEC quarterly survey of business sentiment which suggested that two-thirds of members regard energy as one of their most important non-pay costs. “In...[full story]
Politics: Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security
Friday, January 1st, 2010A climate change law and a more central role for the committee is “critical.” Formed in 2007, the Joint Committee on Climate Change and Energy Security aims to ensure that Ireland complies with global climate change frameworks. Joint committees are comprised of members from both Houses of the Oireachtas, the Dáil and the Seanad, who sit and vote together on relevant issues. Climate change targets, renewable energy and the role of the agriculture sector in creating bio-fuel are some of the issues dealt with by this committee. The 13 TDs and four senators who make up the committee...[full story]
Energy: Energy in a green recovery – Eamon Ryan
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009Energy Minister Eamon Ryan TD updates eolas on Ireland’s progress towards a sustainable energy future and the role this will play in national economic recovery. We are facing into an uncertain future. There are, however, two global and overarching challenges which will define that future. The country that correctly identifies these challenges and plans its path in that knowledge will have the comparative advantage. We know that we have to face up to and plan for climate change and the end of the era of cheap oil. We must stop runaway climate change for its adverse economic affects...[full story]
Energy: Regulating energy – Michael Tutty
Tuesday, September 1st, 2009Commission for Energy Regulation Chairman Michael Tutty focuses on the factors for good regulation and updates Owen McQuade on the commission’s current role, and on network capacity and security of supply which are key challenges for Ireland’s energy future. “The first five years have flown by”, Michael Tutty remarks as he reflects on the changing state of the sector since his appointment to the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). “When I was taking the job, I thought that the energy sector was relatively simple from what I knew of it from outside but what I really like...[full story]
