Renewable Energy Policies, Programmes and Progress in Ireland

Abstract

This article reviews the law and practice relating to renewable energy in Ireland having regard to the State’s obligation to comply with European Union (EU) energy legislation and Ireland’s obligations under the Kyoto Protocol. Particular attention is paid to the current success of Ireland’s onshore wind energy policy and to new developments in offshore and geothermal energy, which have recently been identified as potential solutions to the State’s excessive dependence on imported energy and as having the potential to make Ireland an exporter of renewable energy to the EU mainland. Problems in implementing alternative energy policies are described and future challenges identified.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yvonne Scannell

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Dr Yvonne Scannell LLM (Cantab), PhD, LLD (hc), FTCD, Barrister lectures in Irish and EU Environmental Law at Trinity College, Dublin and practises in the Environment & Climate Change Group in Arthur Cox, Solicitors, Dublin. She can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected].