Electricity sector could reduce carbon by 80% in a decade, new research finds

The cost of wind and solar energy is 'virtually zero' once the infrastructure is built, said Mark Turner from consultancy firm Baringa Partners. File picture: David Creedon / Anzenberger

Carbon emissions from Ireland’s electricity sector could be cut by 80% by the end of the decade and result in annual consumer savings of about €180m, a new report has found.

The research, conducted by independent consultancy firm Baringa Partners and published by Wind Energy Ireland on Wednesday, said reducing emissions in the sector from almost 10m tonnes of CO2 to below 2m tonnes is “very achievable”.