Shell E&P Ireland, operator of the controversial Corrib gas field off the Mayo coast, is considering adding to its Irish asset portfolio in the Government’s upcoming licensing round.

THE Government is to introduce a new energy policy within the next year to reassess the country’s needs and to ensure security of supply, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Pat Rabbitte said yesterday.

MOST Irish families will be heating their homes with electricity within 20 years, on the back of wind and wave energy, according to the International Energy Agency.

Building blocks should be put in place to create an all-Ireland energy market in preparation for a fully integrated European single market, the Energy Ireland conference heard today.