Background

Energy is the lifeblood of modern economic and social development, making possible many of the goods and services we associate with progress. It underpins our ability to work and play - while rendering our world both habitable and enjoyable.

However, energy consumption has economic and environmental consequences. Ireland currently relies on finite reserves of fossil fuels for most of its energy requirements, two thirds of which is imported. In the process of transforming raw energy into useful services carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, and other potentially harmful pollutants are emitted. Increased energy efficiency and exploitation of renewable energy sources will simultaneously serve to enhance the security of Ireland’s energy supply, increase Ireland's economic competitiveness and reduce environmental damage.

Energy Chart

Mission

The Irish Energy Centre was established in 1994 as a joint initiative of the Department of Public Enterprise and Forbairt. Funded by the EU through the Community Support Framework, the Centre’s mission is to promote the development of a sustainable national energy economy.

The expert staff devise and implement programmes to stimulate and maintain the demand for energy efficiency products and services. The strategy employed is designed to generate long term behavioural change, achieved through a process of assessing, informing, encouraging, implementing and supporting.

Document last modified on : 3rd September 1998