Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has published a new report, Energy in Ireland 1990 - 2007, which shows that since 2005, energy-related CO2 emissions have reduced by 1.4%, while the economy grew by 12% during the same period.

The report also shows that Ireland is continuing to become more energy efficient with the primary energy intensity of the economy falling by 42% between 1990 - 2007.

The report, published by SEI's Energy Policy Statistical Support Unit (EPSSU), details key trends in Ireland's energy use and CO2 emissions.

Brian Motherway, Head of Industry, SEI said: "This report reveals a long term trend of improving energy efficiency in the Irish economy. This gain was made over a period of sustained strong economic growth. However, while the analysis of 1990 to 2007 charts a period of considerable change, the coming years of lower economic growth and increasing targets will require much greater and more rapid change, in how we source and use energy.

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"The report also analyses how Ireland will meet its national energy and emissions targets. In the past week the EU has agreed increased targets in this regard which will require considerable effort on Ireland's behalf in the area of energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements."

The transport sector recorded the highest growth rates of any sector in 2007 in terms of primary energy consumption which grew at 5.3%.

Energy in Ireland 1990 - 2007 examines energy trends in Ireland since 1990 with particular emphasis on 2007. It discusses the underlying causes and relates the trends to Government and EU targets for the purpose of informing the development of Government policies and measures to meet the targets.

(CD/JM)