Domestic renewable energy ‘can be game-changer’

Domestically generated renewable energy can be the next big "game-changer" for the Irish economy, creating "thousands of jobs" and saving the State more than €1bn per year from the importation of fossil fuels, it was claimed yesterday.

Noting the strides taken by industry and academia on finding long-term potential solutions for Ireland’s energy requirements, Glen Dimplex chief Sean O’Driscoll said the Government is behind and needs to “catch up”, adding that its current “green energy” proposals are not ambitious enough.

Mr O’Driscoll said debate on energy policy is needed, with energy generation overemphasised, and too little focus on efficiency. He called for “proper community engagement” on wind farms and “a coherent national energy policy”.