Ireland 'must become more energy self-sufficient'

Ireland is the most vulnerable country in Europe to an energy supply crisis, it was claimed today.

The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) said that despite spiralling demand, around 60% of energy still comes from imported oil and another 25% from imported natural gas.

“It is clear that this reliance on imports makes it imperative that we become more self-sufficient and broaden our fuel mix,” said IBEC director of enterprise Brendan Butler

“The potential of indigenous energy supplies, including renewables and conventional fuel discoveries, such as the Corrib Gas Field, must be maximised if we are to achieve an acceptable energy supply balance.”

Last year, the demand for electricity led to 57 amber alerts, which meant there would be blackouts if one of the major power plants shut down.

Mr Butler acknowledged that additional capacity was due to come on stream over the next two years but said the Government needed to provide more generating capacity.

IBEC is also calling for a new National Energy Policy, the development of an all-island energy market and additional support for research and development in alternative energy sources.

“2006 will be a critical year for energy policy in Ireland. Unless government action is taken, Ireland’s energy situation will continue to deteriorate. Doing nothing is no longer an option,” said Mr Butler.