Policy positions

Ibec has identified seven areas that are central to economically and environmentally sustainable energy consumption:

energy security and diversity;
development of key energy infrastructure to meet the needs of our economy and binding policy targets;
achievement of an efficient and competitive energy market for the benefit of all stakeholders;
maximise the potential of renewable energy sources and combined heat and power;
continued commitment to environmental protection;
encouragement of energy efficiency in all sectors of the economy;
commitment to investment in research and development.

Competitiveness (ROI)

18/01/2016 - European energy and climate policies have the potential to deliver commercial opportunities in sustainable energy technologies. This is to be welcomed, but there is a need to mitigate any adverse impacts on energy market prices.

Electricity market (all island)

18/01/2016 - The Single Electricity Market (SEM) must undergo a comprehensive review to ensure its compatibility with the European Target Model for cross-border energy trading. This new market, I-SEM, is due to go live in 2017.

Energy efficiency

10/01/2016 - The Energy Efficiency Directive sets out the policy roadmap up to 2020 – it was adopted in 2012 and Member States had a deadline to transpose into national legislation by 2014.

EU energy and climate framework

18/01/2016 - Member States of the EU have committed to transforming Europe into a highly energy-efficient, low carbon economy. While targets are set up to the 2020; the European Council's 2030 climate and energy framework sets out ambition to 2030.

Indigenous energy resources

26/01/2016 - Ireland is more dependent on oil and gas than most European countries - oil and natural gas are both key elements of Ireland’s energy mix. The high dependence of imports makes further exploration an attractive Ireland proposition.

National climate policies

21/01/2016 - The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill was passed by Dail Eireann in October 2015 and outlines Ireland's climate policy ambiitons.

Networks and interconnection

18/01/2016 - Significant investment will be required in domestic and cross-border electricity networks.

Research and Innovation

23/08/2013 - A resilient research community is a key element of a dynamic, innovative economy. Innovation is fundamental to future competitiveness.