SEAI Findings Show Sustainable Energy Sector Could Treble by 2020

Analysis by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI)of the economic and enterprise benefits of the sustainable energy sector has suggested that over 20,000 jobs can be created within the sector over the next eight years to 2020. The figures were announced bySEAI at its annual Energy Show inthe RDS, which showcasessustainable energy products,services and innovations. Currently 10,000 jobs aresupported in the sector, which hasthe potential to treble by 2020 bycreating and supporting jobs, notonly directly in renewable energyand energy efficiency, but alsoindirectly by enhancing businesscompetitiveness. Speaking at the official opening ofthe Energy Show, the Minister forCommunications, Energy andNatural Resources, Pat Rabbitte,TD said: “Sustainable energy isbecoming the norm in Ireland andwith that change comes manyeconomic opportunities and jobs.Irish enterprises adoptingsustainable energy practices arereducing costs, becoming morecompetitive, securing jobs and asa result are delivering real benefitsin all sectors of our economy.” Professor J. Owen Lewis, ChiefExecutive of SEAI added: “Thesustainable energy sector offerssignificant benefits to Ireland,including; creating jobs, increasedcompetitiveness and future proofing against upward price trends. “The transition to sustainableenergy is well underway, but thepace needs to accelerate for Irishsociety to truly benefit. Ireland hassignificant and growing strengthsin the areas of energy efficient andrenewable energy technologies;now business and policy makersmust work together to deliver onthe export potential that existswithin these key areas.” At the Energy Show, MinisterRabbitte also launched an impactreport on Better EnergyWorkplaces 2011 which showedthat the state’s €11 millioninvestment to support 85organisational energy upgrades,will be repaid in energy savings inone year.