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Friday 24 March 2023 Dublin: 8°C

# Renewable Energy

Last year
2022
# Solar Power
Planning permission no longer required to install solar panels on houses
Exemptions also apply to a range of non-domestic buildings.
# Sowed and Reaped
'It shouldn't have been a surprise': How policy choices brought Ireland's energy to the brink
Experts explain how decisions made in years gone by have led us to our current position of facing down a bleak winter, even without the war in Ukraine.
THE MORNING LEAD
Most energy suppliers are still not paying households for solar power despite August promise
A report by
Lauren Boland
Only one energy supplier could confirm that it started to pay microgenerators – here’s a breakdown of what each company said.
Microgenerators are supposed to be able to sell back any surplus power they produce to their energy supplier.
Only one supplier could confirm that it started to pay microgenerators before 31 August in line with an assurance by the national energy regulator.
At least eight had not yet commenced payment, Lauren Boland reports.
Government urged to hasten payments for surplus solar power ahead of feared energy shortages
# An Bord Pleanála
Appeal lodged over development of €100 million solar farm near Punchestown Racecourse
There had previously been objections from multiple stakeholders in the horseracing industry.
# energy shift
EU proposes 300 billion-euro roadmap to ditch Russian energy
The investment initiative is meant to help the bloc start weaning itself off Russian fossil fuels this year.
# Fossil Fuels
'Neglected': Why Ireland is the worst country in the EU at using renewables to make heat energy
Only 6% of the energy required for heating and cooling in Ireland came from renewable sources in 2020.
# Oceans
Reaching 80% renewable target depends on 'offshore wind technologies', Taoiseach tells summit
Micheál Martin joined other leaders at the One Ocean summit in France this morning.
# Above Water
'Intuitive and straightforward' - How geothermal energy could change how Irish homes are heated
By 2025, a target may be set for how much geothermal energy should contribute to Ireland’s long-term plans to reduce emissions.
All time
# blackouts
Electricity supply interruptions could have 'huge' impact on Irish society, expert warns
John Fitzgerald’s comments come after concerns were raised recently about potential blackouts this winter.
# Climate security threat
Head of Defence Forces says climate change is single biggest threat to Ireland
Mellett, who holds a PhD in environmental governance, believes Ireland must act to prevent the impact of climate change.
Mellett, who holds a PhD in environmental governance, believes Ireland must act to prevent the impact of climate change.
The Chief of Staff said Ireland needs to lose its 'false sense of security'.
Mellett also believes that the State will have to play a role in battling climate breakdown.
'Irish temperature records will be broken in the coming years because we're in a climate crisis'
'The impact of our actions on the planet is undeniable': Government launches Climate Action Bill
# Renewable Energy
Bord na Móna to create 885 new jobs in midlands as it focuses on climate solutions
The company says it will be able to supply a third of Irish homes with renewable energy by 2030.
# Solving Solar
Power Down: How years of policy neglect left Ireland in the shadow of a solar revolution
We examine the key roadblocks that have limited small-scale solar power and if enough is now being done to hit impending EU targets.
# Off the Mark
Ireland ranks second last in EU for meeting 2020 renewable energy targets
Only the Netherlands was behind Ireland in meeting the goals.
# Renewable Energy
ESB to take 50% share in €2 billion wind farm off Scottish coast
The wind farm is expected to be completed by 2023.
# turbines
Irish Wildlife Trust lodges objection to Bord na Móna windfarm in Co Longford
An outcome on the planning application for the 24-turbine windfarm is expected in July.
Voices
Carbon taxes won’t stop climate change – we need more radical action
Fossil fuels are already taxed to the hilt and people haven’t moved to electric vehicles for one simple reason – they cannot afford to, writes Brian O’Boyle.
# Your Say
Poll: Will Ireland generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030?
The country has missed other climate change targets in the past.
# Renewable Energy
Bruton commits to having 70% of electricity generated from renewables by 2030
Bruton was speaking to reporters at the Fine Gael National Conference in Wexford over the weekend.
# Renewable Energy
Aran Islands to be used as testing ground for research into using hydrogen as fuel
The research will use renewable energy to power a fleet of vans.
# pay now or pay later
Taoiseach wants to up spending on climate change to avoid hefty EU fines
Ireland is facing a fine of €75 million each year if 16% of its energy doesn’t come from renewable-energy sources by 2020.
# Renewable Energy
Ireland now has a renewable heat plan, but lessons have been learned from 'cash for ash'
It aims to reduce Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuel heating systems, and provides financial incentives for renewable heat generation.
# Renewable Energy
'It'll devastate the countryside': Laois locals object to one of Ireland's biggest solar farms
The project is planned for a site the size of nearly 200 soccer pitches.
# strategic communications
Details of Ireland's Renewable Heat Incentive revealed today - but Leo won't be calling it 'RHI'
“We have learned from the mistakes in Northern Ireland,” Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said.
# Climate Change
'This and the Donegal floods go hand-in-hand': How Ireland plans to get to grips with renewable energy
A new government consultation wants feedback on how we fund sustainable energy in Ireland.
Ireland's largest windfarm begins powering 50,000 homes
The windfarm is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 100,000 tonnes each year.
# resource and energy
'National guidance' on solar farms needed after Ireland's biggest project is rejected
The Wexford development was to be spread on a site of more than 200 acres.
# OFF TARGET
Ireland is expected to miss its EU renewables target - and cop a multimillion-euro bill
The country has to meet 16% of its energy needs from renewable sources by 2020.
# hello sunshine
Large-scale solar farms are coming to Ireland as plans for over 20 projects unveiled
Work on the farms, to be built in the south and east of the country, will start in 2018.
# Renewable Energy
World's first tidal lagoon power station gets government support in Wales
The company behind it says the station would generate electricity for 155,000 homes for the next 120 years.
# up our game
Why Ireland won't be turning to nuclear energy anytime soon
Alex White talked energy and climate change with TheJournal.ie yesterday.
# Children's Hospital
A novel new use for Guinness waste heat (no rude jokes...)
A system whereby hot water or steam could be pumped from the brewery to the new hospital is being investigated.
# lean and green
Why being sustainable makes for good business
For March’s in-depth coverage of SMEs, we looked at business and the environment, and making enterprise more sustainable.
# electric shocks
Power isn't quite paying like it used to for ESB
Profits are down at the semi-state, but it’s still delivering a €300 million windfall to the government.
# no spin zone
Poll: Should more be done to develop renewable energy in Ireland?
There has been a lot of debate about the country’s energy mix for the future.
# tilting at windmills
There are some major holes in Ireland's renewable energy plans
And the country could have to pay penalties worth up to €400 million a year if things do go wrong.
# power play
ESB wants its government owners to axe wind and solar power support
Targets and backing for the renewable-energy sources should end after 2020, the state supplier says.
# Cattle
Our cows are emitting so much gas that Ireland is looking for help from the EU
The agriculture sector is looking for special treatment on new greenhouse gas targets.
# The Price of Power
Ireland's electricity is the most expensive of anywhere in Europe
And most government subsidies are flowing to the country’s fossil-fuel industries, EU says.
# NIMBY
The Environment Minister says he wouldn't want to live beside a wind turbine
The Labour Party deputy leader was speaking to local radio in Waterford this morning.
# Clean Energy
No nukes are good nukes: former Japanese PM's advice to Ireland
Ex-PM Naoto Kan says nuclear power should be consigned to the history books after Fukushima disaster.