All sectors of the economy must take immediate action to help Ireland cut its energy demand by the Government target of 20 per cent by 2020, a seminar in Dublin heard today.
David Taylor, chief executive of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), the national energy agency, was speaking at the Irish Sustainable Energy Summit at the Royal Hospital Kilmainham.
David Taylor, chief executive of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI)
Mr Taylor said Ireland's long term sustainable energy issues can only be overcome by all sectors of the economy taking action to meet the proposed targets outlined by Government in its Green Paper on energy.
Mr Taylor said the paper places particular emphasis on the role of energy efficiency in reducing energy demand.
"A reduction of 20 per cent of the energy used in electricity service provision, transport and heat is a truly massive undertaking, not to mention the business propositions entailed," he said.
"Achieving this target will require a sustained focus from business and considerable behavioural change by Irish people and should not just be reliant on action from Government and its agencies. The Power of One campaign is an important step in empowering consumers to act in our collective interest."
Mr Taylor said the strength of our current situation is that "we have the desire, expertise and policy focus to resolve many of the issues we face".
"It is imperative however that all sectors of the economy act early in order to avoid falling behind our EU partners and to meet the targets set by Government. This approach coupled with the implementation of evidence based policy, the demonstrated responsiveness and flexibility of this economy and the openness to necessary behavioural change amongst Irish people will deliver the long term change that these targets demand."
Today's summit, attended by senior policy makers and energy professionals, will focus on how each sector of the economy can move toward meeting the challenges outlined in the Green Paper Towards a Sustainable Energy Future for Irelandwhich details energy policy options for the next decade and beyond.