State energy targets on track

Ireland remains on course to meet its renewable energy targets by 2020, according to latest industry findings, but remains too reliant on imported fossil fuels for its energy needs.

The annual Energy in Ireland report — published yesterday by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland — found overall energy use here fell 4.6% in 2012, with the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the typical home 40% less than 20 years ago.

Last year the country saved €300m on fuel imports for electricity generation purposes, but its overall fossil fuel bill, when transport, building and heating needs are combined, hit €6.5bn.