Ahern and Dempsey to launch energy policy
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press release 
Monday March 12, 2007 09:04
by policy watcher
The Govt will launch their delayed white paper on energy today.
It will seek to explain how it makes economic sense to simply give away billions of euro worth of natural gas to the big energy companies.
Note to Noel Dempsey: When they say the policy is good for the economy, it's supposed to be the IRISH economy, not the Norwegian one.
Govt to publish White Paper on Energy
Monday, 12 March 2007 08:54
The Government is to publish its overdue White Paper on Energy today against a backdrop of concern over oil prices and new demands for action on climate change.
The document will be launched by the Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern, and the Minister for Natural Resources, Noel Dempsey.
The Green Party has already said it does not believe Government plans will come anywhere close to ensuring the country abides by tough new EU emissions targets.
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Ireland imports around 90% of its energy and these fossil fuels like oil and coal have contributed to its greenhouse gas emissions being twice as high as they should be.
The country's demand for energy is projected to increase by 30% by 2020. However last Friday, the EU agreed to binding cuts in greenhouse gas emissions of 20%.
Today's White Paper aims to provide security of supply, a competitive price and be environmentally friendly.
It is known the Government wants a third of Ireland's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020.
Minister Dempsey will have to explain how his plan will ensure Ireland abides by the new EU emissions cutting targets, when it is already way above its old Kyoto limit and has had to spend hundreds of millions on carbon credits as a result.