Industry and Government are to work together to unlock immense economic and environmental opportunities, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said at Energy Forum 2008 today.

Over 400 key players in the energy industry in Ireland, five Ministers and two Ministers of State attended the sustainable energy conference in Dublin.

Its aim was for Government to interact with the industry in order for Ireland to become a world leader in renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Mr Ahern said: "Our objective is an energy policy based on secure sources of supply that promotes competitiveness, and is environmentally sustainable.

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"The Government intends to provide the enabling environment for Ireland to unlock the immense opportunities that this new energy era can bring to our economy in job creation and inward investment."

The Taoiseach confirmed that the Government will invest over €200 million in energy-related Research and Development. He said: "Today's announcement is significant and shows our determination to honour our commitments in this important area under the Programme for Government.

"Through Research and Development Ireland can take a lead in developing environmental solutions and products. This investment will achieve a win/win situation of improved competitiveness and environmental performance.

"The €200 million will be made available over the next 5 years," He added.

Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government John Gormley said: "Everything we do in relation to sustainable energy - be it the promotion of energy efficiency, the fostering of a vibrant renewable electricity sector or the development of a domestic market for biomass - will contribute to reducing Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions."

(VB/JM)