Ireland and Northern Ireland now have a total of 2,484 Megawatts of renewable electricity capacity, according to a major report published .

This is equivalent to the energy required to power approximately 1.5 million homes.

EirGrid Group's Annual Renewable Report 2012 was launched in Dublin by the Minister for Communications, Energy & Natural Resources Mr. Pat Rabbitte TD. The report outlines the world-leading position in integrating large amounts of renewable energy onto the power system that is occupied by Ireland and Northern Ireland.

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EirGrid Group comprises the operator of the electricity transmission grid in Ireland, as well as the System Operator for Northern Ireland (SONI), and the Single Electricity Market Operator (SEMO).

It outlines how relative to population size, the island of Ireland now has one of the highest rates of wind energy production per capita in the world. In 2011 renewable generation supplied 17% of electricity demand on an all-island (18% in Ireland and 12% in N. Ireland). This is up from 12% on an all-island basis in 2010.

Speaking at the launch, EirGrid Chief Executive Fintan Slye said: "Ireland and Northern Ireland have rich renewable energy potential and the EirGrid Group is committed to ensuring that this potential is developed throughout the island as a whole. Through the East-West Interconnector, Grid25, DS3 and our Smart Grid programme, EirGrid is working to ensure the infrastructural and operational capability of our transmission system is developed to ensure that Ireland and Northern Ireland meet the 2020 renewable electricity targets."

(CD)