Some of Ireland's carbon emissions could be buried off the coast of Kinsale or in Strangford Lough a major conference was told in Dublin Castle yesterday.

Organised by the Geological Survey of Ireland (GSI), the Royal Irish Academy (RIA) and the Geological Survey of Northern Ireland (GSNI), the two-day Carbon Capture and Storage Conference called on more than 100 international experts to assess the technology’s potential to bridge Ireland’s transition from fossil fuels to renewables.

CCS technology removes carbon emissions from fossil fuel-consuming power stations and industrial complexes, enabling it to be stored safely underground.

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The resulting reduction in carbon emissions would impact very favourably on Ireland’s environmental credentials.

Conor Lenihan, Minister for Science, Technology, Innovation and Natural Resources, said the important conference comes at a critical time as Irish decision-makers consider how best to adapt to low carbon energy systems.

"Given that Ireland has proven its worth as a technology leader, it is no surprise that the leaders of this sector are now coming here to debate the latest developments and explore international case studies and funding allocations," he said.

"For decades we have relied on fossil fuels to generate our electricity and heating and the Government has recognised the need to reduce emissions as part of a long term strategy. Ireland is committed to exploring new technologies that can accelerate our transition to low carbon energy and emulating the efforts of our European partners."

In October 2008 the Irish Government set new targets for renewable energy as part of its strategy to bolster the green economy and stated that 40% of electricity consumed by 2020 should be gained from renewable sources.

(NS/BMcC)