Energy consumption in the Republic increased by 1.5 per cent in 2004, with the renewable sector increasingly helping the economy to meet some of this demand, new figures show.
The figures from Sustainable Energy Ireland, a Government-funded agency, show that renewables are growing strongly. They now make up 2.2 per cent of all primary energy consumption in Ireland, up from 1.5 per cent in 2003.
The figures also revealed an increase in the contribution of renewables to electricity. Final consumption of electricity increased by 2.5 per cent in 2004, although the carbon content of electricity continued to fall in 2004.
This was brought about by a 41 per cent reduction in peat in the generation fuel mix and a 22 per cent increase in renewable energy contribution.
The reduction in peat generation was due to the closure of some of the older peat stations and also a slight decrease in domestic consumption.
Commenting on the figures, David Taylor, chief executive of Sustainable Energy Ireland, said: "While energy consumption continues to increase, it is encouraging to see that the supply mix is going in the right direction with the growth in renewables.
"However, overall, Ireland's energy use continues to produce large quantities of carbon dioxide, which contributes to climate change.
"It is imperative that the uptake of sustainable energy technologies continues and accelerates, to ensure that we continue to work towards combating the negative impacts of climate change in Ireland."
