Ireland are now one of the leading countries in the world to use wind energy, with renewable energy growing strongly. The SEAI have announced that the share of electricity generated from renewable energy sources in 2009 was 14.4%, two-thirds of which was wind. This ensures us that Ireland is on track to the Government’s target this year.

In 2009 alone, renewable energy sources generated enough electricity to power 750,000 homes, half of all households in Ireland. There has been growth in the use of renewable energy for heating and transport, but progress is at a slower pace than the contribution of renewable sources for electricity generation. This will be an area of increased policy focus in years to come.

Commenting on the reports unveiled today, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Eamon Ryan TD said: “I am encouraged by both these reports – 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. That being said, we need to increase our efforts, particularly, in the areas of renewable transport and heat sources.”

Key Highlights on Electricity and Gas Pricing:

• Electricity and gas prices for householders, when adjusted for affordability differences between EU countries, were cheaper than the EU average by approximately 13% for most consumers.
• Electricity prices for householders fell by a range of approximately 4% to 12% for small and medium consumers.
• In absolute terms Irish electricity prices remain 7% above the EU average for all but the very largest household consumers.
• Most householders witnessed an 8.5% to 18% drop in the price of gas.
• Business consumers benefitted from a 5% to 10% drop in electricity prices across both small and large users.
• Gas prices fell for all business customers, ranging from 9.4% to 26%, with most prices being below the EU average.
• Gas prices for medium business users were 11% below the EU average.