Green energy use rises to 17%

Renewable sources accounted for 17% of energy provision in Ireland in 2011 — up by 3% on the previous year.

The figure, published by Eirgrid yesterday, keeps Ireland on track to meet its obligations of sourcing 40% of its total annual energy needs from renewable sources such as wind and solar by 2020.

Eirgrid’s latest annual accounts show the company, which operates the country’s national electricity grid, made an operating profit of €30.3m last year, up 93% on the €15.7m generated in 2010.