Pressure on to harness solar energy by 2020

Landowners are being approached by solar farm developers looking to secure land

The Renewable Energy Directive (RED) 2009/28/EC sets out binding targets for each EU state, with the stated aim being that, in the EU as a whole, renewable energy will account for a minimum of 20% of the overall energy consumption by 2020.

Under EU 2020 renewable energy targets, the Irish Government must achieve 40% of electricity generation from renewable energy sources, or face significant penalties.