Energy Minister Eamon Ryan has welcomed the EU Commission's new energy strategy towards 2020.

The new strategy will be discussed by Heads of State and Government in February next year.

It sets out a number of priority areas for improvement in the next ten years, which include:

• Leading in energy innovation and technology
• Delivering an energy efficient Europe
• Delivering and strengthening an integrated European energy market
• Protecting consumers and ensuring safety and security
• Furthering external relations in the energy sector

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The Strategy reflects the emphasis given by Minister Ryan to grid development priorities in relation to off-shore generation, electric vehicle roll-out and further physical interconnection of energy markets.

"This is a bold new strategy that paves the way for Europe to step up its ambition to decarbonise energy across the Union," said the Minister.

"The Commission understands that postponing these decisions will bring immeasurable costs in the long-term."

(CD/KMcA)