IEA: Irish Focus on Renewables Will Increase Gas Reliance

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has told Ireland that it must diversify its gas sources as it develops its renewable energy sources.

Launching the report Energy Policies of IEA Countries – Ireland 2012, yesterday, the agency commended Ireland for its commitment to developing renewable sources but said this drive would increase its reliance on gas. 

"At a time when many governments are shying away from their commitments to clean energy, Ireland has courageously resisted the temptation to scale back its own," Executive Director of the IEA Maria van der Hoeven said in Dublin yesterday.  "A lot has been achieved, yet there is more to do. Now is not the time for complacency."

While Ireland was aiminig to source 40 per cent of its energy needs from wind by 2020, gas will still need to play a part in the energy mix, the IEA said, as gas-fired power plants will be needed to  "provide flexibility in electricity supply when wind power is unavailable."

Currently, Ireland relies heavily on gas, with two-thirds of its electricity coming from gas-fired generation. This is a concern for energy security, the IEA warned, especially given that 93 per cent of Ireland's gas comes from a single transit point in Scotland.

The IEA recommended that Ireland build up its gas and electricity infrastructure to deal with this security concern and market solutions while continuing to integrate its energy markets with regional neighbours.

In a statement yesterday, Irish Minister for Energy Pat Rabbitte welcomed the findings saying they coalesced with the government's current plans.

"The key recommendations of the IEA Review affirm government policy for energy and underlines our consistent message as to the importance of delivering critical energy infrastructure," he said.