More green energy for national grid

Up to 140MW of green energy is being added to the national grid under the Government’s renewable power strategy, it emerged today.

Natural resources minister Dermot Ahern also announced that his ministry will be the first Government department to buy its electricity from green sources.

He was switched from ESB to independent supplier Energia to power his Dublin offices in Adelaide Road and Leeson Lane.

Mr Ahern said he had also urged Office of Public Works minister Tom Parlon to ensure that decentralised offices are also run on renewable energy where possible.

Speaking at the Irish Renewable Energy Summit in Dublin, Mr Ahern said State grants had been approved by the EU for the extra 140MW.

The natural resources minister also indicated he will soon begin a pilot project to test the viability of biofuels in the State.