Ireland leads way in using wind energy for electricity

IRELAND is one of the world’s leading countries in the use of wind energy for electricity generation.

According to a report from the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), Ireland is becoming a world leader in wind energy, while a separate report showed gas and electricity prices fell for all users during the second part of last year.

The SEAI report reveals the share of electricity generated from renewable resources in 2009 was 14.4%, two-thirds of which was wind, ensuring Ireland is well on track to fulfil government targets on renewable energy for this year.

Last year, renewable energy sources generated enough electricity to power 750,000 homes, or half of all households in the country.

The report found there has been some growth in the use of renewable energy for heating and transport, but progress has been at a slower pace than the contribution of renewable sources for electricity generation.

In terms of gas and electricity prices, a separate SEAI report found prices fell for all consumers in the second half of last year.

Electricity and gas prices, when adjusted for affordability differences between EU countries, were cheaper than the EU average by an average of 13%. However, in absolute terms, electricity prices here remain 7% above the EU average for all but the very largest households.

For business, electricity prices also fell, ranging from a 5% to 10% drop for small and large business consumers. Despite this, electricity prices to business remain above the EU average.

The report found gas prices fell for all business consumers, up to 26% in some cases. For most of them, Irish gas prices were below the EU average.

SEAI chief executive Professor Owen Lewis said the results were positive but more progress was needed.

“The renewable energy statistics show a real opportunity for Ireland, but challenges still remain and more progress is needed if we are to realise the benefits that renewable energy offers and improve our energy security,” he said.

Energy Minister Eamon Ryan praised the progress in renewable energy. “Clearly significant progress has been made on all fronts, and we are well positioned to meet our Government target of 15% of power being generated by renewable energy sources this year.”