Groups representing the renewable energy industry in Ireland today called on the country’s government to set a 70% goal for the supply of clean power by 2030.
The eight organisations said that a new report by Baringa shows that the target is achievable at a neutral cost to the consumer.
Ireland will determine its share of the EU’s new 32% renewables goal by 2030 in the coming months, the groups said. The country currently supplies about 30% of its electricity from clean sources, they added.
The organisations are the Irish Wind Energy Association, Irish Solar Energy Association, Irish Bioenergy Association, Irish Wind Farmers Association, Irish Energy Storage Association, Marine Renewables Industry Association, Smart Grid Ireland and Host Ireland.
Irish Wind Energy Association chief executive David Connolly said: “When Ireland’s renewable energy targets for 2030 are set we will be shaping our energy and climate action policies for a generation.
“The evidence from the Baringa report is clear. An electricity system using 70% renewable energy by 2030 is not only practical, it is – at a minimum – cost neutral for the consumer.”
Irish Solar Energy Association CEO Michael McCarthy said: “Setting a 70% target for renewable electricity by 2030 is essential if Ireland is to live up to the Taoiseach’s own stated position on the importance of climate change as a key policy priority.
“This is a unique opportunity for Ireland to lead by example across the EU, making best use of solar, wind and other renewable resources and facilitating the electrification of the heat and transport sectors.”