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Renewable Energy will attract thousands of jobs and investment into Ireland
Energy Minister Eamon Ryan announced towards the end of January that Ireland has signed up as a member of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) at the Founding Conference in Bonn.
IRENA will be the first international organisation to concentrate on renewable energy, thanks to the support of the German government, as well as other countries like Denmark and Spain.
“IRENA will promote the widespread and sustainable use of renewable energy worldwide – it is vital that we are involved”, said Minister Ryan.
Renewable energy can create much needed international investment into Ireland, adding secure jobs into the bargain. It is the area of economic growth that we need to be involved in. In 2008, we sent approximately €6 billion overseas for imported fossil fuels to meet our national energy demands. Renewable energy will reduce this bill.
Ireland has the natural advantages, Government support and a willing industry ready to meet our target of 40% electricity from renewables over the next 11 years. As a member of IRENA, we can link directly to the worldwide investment of more than $148 billion in this sector, creating opportunities for Irish companies, both existing and emerging.
In energy terms, we are nothing if we stand alone. The foundation of this Agency puts renewable energy on a firm inter-Governmental footing. This is a sector as much in our economic interest as to our environmental benefit. It is the right strategic direction for the world and is most definitely the correct move for Ireland.”