The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has been called to set a target to supply 70 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2030.

Eight organisations made the call after a report by Baringa revealed it is technically possible and cost neutral to the consumer for Ireland.

It follows confirmation from the Climate Change Advisory Council in July that Ireland will miss its overall 2020 target for renewable energy, warnings from the Environmental Protection Agency highlighting the failure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and comes as the International Panel on Climate Change meets in Korea.

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Dr David Connolly, CEO of the Irish Wind Energy Association, said: "When Ireland's renewable energy targets for 2030 are set we will be shaping our energy and climate action policies for a generation.

"The evidence from the Baringa report is clear. An electricity system using 70 per cent renewable energy by 2030 is not only practical, it is – at a minimum – cost neutral for the consumer.

"With the right leadership we can be ambitious for Ireland’s energy future, for our role in the fight against climate change and show our determination to support the Paris Agreement."

Michael McCarthy, CEO of the Irish Solar Energy Association, said: "Setting a 70 per cent target for renewable electricity by 2030 is essential if Ireland is to live up to the Taoiseach's own stated position on the importance of climate change as a key policy priority.

"This is a unique opportunity for Ireland to lead by example across the EU, making best use of solar, wind and other renewable resources and facilitating the electrification of the heat and transport sectors. Increasing the renewable electricity target will lead to more clean energy production, more jobs, more local investment and a better environment."

(CD/MH)