MORE than a quarter of Ireland's electricity
consumption came from renewable energy sources -
slightly below the EU average in 2016, new figures
show.
The report from Eurostat shows that 27.2% of
electricity used in Ireland was produced by
renewable sources that year compared to the European
average of 30%.
The highest users of renewable electricity were the
Austrians on 73% followed by Sweden (65%); Portugal
and Denmark (both 54%) and Latvia (51%).
By contrast, four countries returned a rate below
10% including Cyprus (9%); Luxembourg and Hungary
(both 7%) and Malta (6%).
Ireland also outperformed countries such as France
(19.2%); Belgium (15.8%) and the Netherlands (12.5%)
in the cleaner energy stakes.
Hydro power was the most important source of
renewable energy, closely followed by wind power and
solar power, the report shows.
"Other renewable sources for generating electricity
include wood, biogas, renewable waste and geothermal
energy," it states.
The new report comes following the announcement this
month of €8m in Government funding for 45
"innovative energy projects" across Ireland.
Minister for Communications, Climate Action and
Environment, Denis Naughten said: "This type of
government funding significantly helps businesses
and research institutions in the energy sector in
Ireland to conduct world class research that will
create jobs, build capacity and support innovation
in clean energy.” |
