Thriving Sustainable Energy Industry Provides Platform for Future Economic Growth
Media Release
14th April 2010
Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s Energy Show expected to generate revenue in excess of €40 million
Ireland’s thriving sustainable energy sector is providing a strong platform for economic growth, Eamon Ryan TD, Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources told attendees at the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland’s annual Energy Show at the RDS in Dublin today.
Expected to attract over 5,000 professional visitors over the next two days, the Energy Show is Ireland’s leading national showcase for the latest innovative energy efficient technologies such as a phone application to assist businesses with energy audits and cutting-edge renewable energy devices in the areas of solar photovoltaics and ocean energy. With over €40 million worth of business due to be generated by the 200 exhibitors at the Show, sustainable energy has a significant role to play in supporting the smart economy.
Launching the Show, Minister Ryan said “People ask ‘where are the green shoots of Ireland’s recovery?’ I say, the answer is all around them at this SEAI energy exhibition today. We are using Irish energy and Irish expertise to tap into sustainable technology market around the world. Already thousands of new jobs have come on-stream, billions are being invested by state, semi-state and private industry alike. We have begun to forge a new economy. We are on track to meet our ambitious renewable energy targets. The Government’s insulation scheme is proving very popular, electric vehicles and infrastructure will soon be a regular feature on Irish roads. We are tapping into our own potential and trading it worldwide. The Irish people are responding as they have warmer homes, lower fuel bills and new sources of employment. I am confident that Ireland’s major advances in sustainable energy will only accelerate as we increase the scale and application of our policy initiatives.”
The Energy Show will also feature an electric vehicle exhibition, with up to 15 suppliers and manufacturers displaying the latest available models of electric and hybrid vehicles including cars, vans and trucks.
SEAI Chief Executive, Professor Owen Lewis said: “Ireland has committed itself to ambitious targets in the areas of renewable energy and energy efficiency. It is evident from our dealings with business and here today at the Energy Show that Irish business has embraced this challenge and is now delivering on our vision for the future by exploiting the global opportunities in clean low-carbon energy solutions."
Professor Lewis continued: “Following the Government’s announcement earlier this week, the roll out of mainstream electric vehicles will commence from next year, positioning Ireland as a European leader in electric transport. SEAI will play its part in encouraging consumers to consider the benefits of electric vehicles from both the environmental and financial point of view as well as practically administering the government grants. Widespread use of electric vehicles will ultimately lead to a more sustainable transport system and cleaner environment for all well into the future.”
The Energy Show takes place on April 14th & 15th at the RDS, Dublin. For further information visit www.seai.ie/energyshow
