07/06/2016

Ireland Signs Energy Cooperation Declaration

The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, has signed an energy cooperation declaration with nine other EU counties, focussing on the development of cost effective offshore wind & wave renewable energy.

"Ireland has the best off shore energy potential in Europe but we need to work with our colleagues across the EU to turn this potential into electricity," Deputy Naughten said.

"While we are at the leading edge ocean energy research, we can always benefit from closer cooperation with our EU neighbours, not just in ensuring that we use the most cost effective solutions to produce off shore energy but also to get this green electricity onto the European electricity grid."

Speaking from Luxembourg at the official signing ceremony he said he wanted to ensure that "we do all in our power" to achieve climate change targets in a sustainable cost effective manner in the shortest timeframe possible.

"It is also important that we have access to a balanced suite of renewable energy options and I believe that this declaration with EU countries adjoining the North Sea and Irish Sea will help us as a country develop a range of cost effective renewable energy solutions," concluded Deputy Naughten.

(MH)

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