Ireland will focus on developing renewables to improve its energy security, the government has announced.
Its Energy Security in Ireland to 2030′ strategy document, which outlines how the country will be energy secure during the decade, said growing renewables generation is the “right” plan to secure the country’s electricity supplies.
The document said in the short term, there is a need to improve gas security during this decade.
It said this could be done by creating a “strategic gas emergency reserve” which would address unmet demand should a significant disruption to supplies occur.
However, it said the long-term focus will be moving towards generating more power via renewable energy.
Minister for the Environment Eamon Ryan (pictured) said: “We are already world leaders in onshore wind energy and are actively pursuing our offshore wind, solar, interconnection and other renewable sources.
“The delivery of this ambition will ensure an energy system that is no longer oil and gas-based but grounded in indigenous renewable electricity.”
Mr Ryan said the strategy sets out how the country can enhance its energy security amid a continued shift to producing electricity from renewable generation.