Minister for Energy Eamon Ryan recently praised Ireland’s unprecedented solar power surge, calling it a “gangbusters” success. In the past year, the government’s initiative to promote solar energy witnessed demand surpassing expectations.
Solar Revolution: A Remarkable Leap
Ryan reported a significant shift, with solar power generation soaring from 13 Gigawatt hours in 2022 to an impressive 400 Gigawatt hours in 2023. He emphasized the complementary nature of solar and wind power, highlighting their effective collaboration in Ireland’s energy landscape.
Mobility Hubs: Transforming Transportation
Addressing the media during the autumn Dáil term’s conclusion, Ryan unveiled plans for mobility hubs across Ireland, allocating €40 million. These hubs aim to offer 200 electric vehicles (EVs) for sharing, electric bike sharing, and EV charging facilities. A successful pilot in Fingal has paved the way for extending the scheme nationwide.
Game-Changing Car-Sharing Stations
Ryan expressed enthusiasm for expanding car-sharing stations within mobility hubs, envisioning it as a game-changer. With EV sales up by 45% year-on-year, he anticipates exceeding the target of 110,000 EVs on the road by the end of the year, with a goal of 195,000 by 2024.
Boosting Charging Infrastructure
To meet the growing demand, Ryan emphasized the need for an enhanced public charging infrastructure. Starting with 1,700 public charging points in 2023, the plan is to reach 2,250 by year-end. An additional 200 points will be placed in sports clubs in 2024, supported by the European just transition fund.
Dynamic Pricing for Renewable Energy
Looking ahead, Ryan disclosed plans for dynamic pricing to encourage energy consumption on days with strong wind. This innovative approach aims to optimize the use of renewable energy sources.
As Ireland propels itself into a sustainable energy future, Minister Eamon Ryan’s initiatives underscore the nation’s commitment to cleaner and greener practices. The solar power boom, coupled with advancements in electric mobility and charging infrastructure, positions Ireland at the forefront of renewable energy adoption.
Source：irishtimes.com
