One in five cars sold here needs to be electric by 2020 if Ireland is to hit its renewable energy targets and avoid fines of up to €130m.

A CORK-BASED alternative energy company is in line to receive the first national licence for the private production of ethanol for everyday fuel purposes.

The demand for eco-friendly energy sources is now high on Ireland’s national agenda, industry experts today claimed.

SOARING oil prices, environmental concerns and fears about the security of supplies from politically volatile regions such as the Middle East has fuelled increased interest in renewable energy in Ireland.