A leading renewable energy firms has entered the Irish electricity and gas supply sector, with the target of gaining 15% market share by 2013.

Dublin-based Airtricity's newly launched supply division is aiming to attract around half a million customers.

The firm is hoping to draw in supply contracts from both household and corporate clients.

It is expected Airtricity will sign up its first commercial gas supply customer by November.

A move into the full domestic market is predicted for April 2009.

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Kevin Greenhorn, Airtricity Supply's Managing Director, said he is confident a healthy switching environment will emerge in the Irish energy market.

The firm was recently bought over by Scottish & Southern Energy (SSE), in a deal reportedly worth €1.1 billion.

Airtricity has suggested it may introduce some SSE products to Irish customers.

A step that could open-up the electricity; gas metering services; telecom cabling; and street lighting markets for the firm.

Meanwhile, the National Offshore Wind Association of Ireland has welcomed a partnership between the Scottish and Irish governments to study interconnection possibilities between the two countries.

Arno Verbeek, Airtricity’s offshore development officer, said: "Interconnection of energy supply is critical to the widespread deployment of renewable energy."

"The linking of systems allows for a smoothing of energy supply and saves considerable money on peaking plant," he added.

(PR/JM)