Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) figures show an increase the share of renewables in primary energy consumption from 1.5 per cent in 2003 to 2.2 per cent in 2004. Overall energy consumption also increased by 1.5 per cent in the same period.
David Taylor, chief executive of Sustainable Energy Ireland
The figures also revealed an increase in the renewable fuel contribution to electricity generation.
Consumption of electricity increased by 2.5 per cent in 2004, though the amount of carbon produced by electricity generation continued to fall. This was brought about by a 41 per cent reduction in the use of peat in electricity generation and a 22 per cent increase in the renewable energy contribution.
Wind generation was primarily responsible for this increase with a 44 per cent increase in electricity generated by wind compared with 2003.
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.
Chief executive of SEI, David Taylor said it was "encouraging" to the supply mix was going in the right direction. "However, overall Ireland's energy use continues to produce large quantities of carbon dioxide which contributes to climate change," he added.
"It is imperative that the uptake of sustainable energy technologies continues and accelerates, to ensure we continue to work towards combating the negative impacts of climate change in Ireland," Mr Taylor said.