Ireland can become a global leader in producing renewable energy, according to Green Party Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan.
Speaking at the Green Energy Fair in Gowran Park, Co Kilkenny this morning, Mr Ryan said investment in the energy industry has jumped 158 per cent in the past two years - with experts predicting an $85 billion (€59.4 billion) investment for 2007 alone.
"Ireland is already taking advantage of this green boom," he continued.
"We have 12,000 people working in the energy sector, but there is a real, viable future waiting on the horizon.
"When the Green Party entered Government in Germany, they created over 200,000 new jobs in the renewable energy sector.
"Ireland has even greater natural resources in terms of wind and ocean energy than Germany and so there is no reason why we cannot emulate or even surpass their success."
Open until Monday, the Green Fair features 50 exhibitors displaying a range of renewable technologies from geo-thermal heating and wood pellet boilers to wind, hydro and solar power.
European experts will deliver talks on advances in renewable technology on the continent and on the latest sustainable building techniques while information on growing energy crops, environmentally friendly vehicles and the latest renewable grants will also be available.