The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) announced at the recent launch of its two latest statistical reports that renewable energy is growing strongly as Ireland becomes one of the world’s leading countries in the use of wind energy for electricity generation, and that gas and electricity prices fell for all users in Ireland in the second half of last year.
SEAI’s report reveals that the share of electricity generated from renewable energy sources in 2009 was 14.4%, two-thirds of which was wind, ensuring that Ireland is well on track to fulfil Government targets on renewable electricity 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.
In the second half of 2009, SEAI reports that Irish electricity and gas prices fell for all consumers. Electricity and gas prices for householders, when adjusted for affordability differences (‘Purchase Power Parity’) between EU countries, were cheaper than the EU average by an average of 13% for the typical consumer.
For business, electricity prices declined, ranging from a 5% to 10% drop for small and large business consumers. While electricity prices to business remain above the EU average, they did move closer to this average for most business energy users. Gas prices fell for all business consumers, up to 26% in some instances. For most business consumers, Irish gas prices were below the EU average.
Commenting on the reports, 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.”
Professor Owen Lewis, Chief Executive of SEAI said: “This is a good starting point. The renewable energy statistics show a real opportunity for Ireland, but challenges still remain and more progress is needed if we are to realise the benefits that renewable energy offers and improve our energy security.”
He continued: “Energy prices, so key to our competitiveness, have fallen in the latter half of 2009, and no doubt, were welcomed across the board by householders and businesses alike. I think it is hugely positive that we have a situation where energy prices have fallen in Ireland, and at the same time the country makes significant progress on renewable energy.
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.