Ó An Roinn Comhshaoil, Aeráide agus Cumarsáide
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Taoiseach Leo Varadkar TD and the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Richard Bruton TD, today addressed the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Global Conference on Energy Efficiency. The event, held in Dublin Castle, brought together a large international audience comprised of Ministers, CEOs, heads of international organisations and other senior leaders to advance global progress on energy efficiency.
At the conference, the Taoiseach announced that he had accepted the role of Honorary Patron of the IEA's new Global Commission for Urgent Action on Energy Efficiency following an invitation from the organisation's Executive Director, Dr Fatih Birol. Minister Bruton also confirmed that he will participate on the Commission.
The purpose of the Commission is to examine how energy efficiency progress can be accelerated in the short term through new and stronger policy action. The focus will be on key policy actions that can be taken by countries across the globe. It will be a one year process leading to a concise list of clear, actionable recommendations. The IEA intends to invite a select group of political and business leaders and thinkers from around the world to also join the Commission.
Speaking at the event, the Taoiseach said "Ireland is ready and willing to play its part in the international drive for energy efficiency. In this regard, I was delighted to accept the IEA's invitation to act as the Honorary Patron of a new Global Commission on Energy Efficiency. This IEA supported Commission provides a fantastic opportunity to identify policies that can be implemented in a short time frame that will boost activity on energy efficiency globally. International cooperation and collaboration on this matter facilitates shared learning and will help to put us on a more sustainable path to the future".
Minister Bruton commented that "Last week I launched the Climate Action Plan, which will ensure Ireland meets our 2030 emissions targets and will put us on the right trajectory to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Decarbonising our energy supply is crucial to delivering on our ambitions and is critical to many of the actions laid out in the Plan. As we transition to electric vehicles for example, we need to make sure that our electricity supply comes from renewable sources. The Plan also includes a range of ambitious energy efficiency measures that will support the achievement of our targets. Given the scale of the challenge, international collaboration is crucial and Ireland's place on the Commission will be important in that regard. I very much look forward to working with the IEA and the other members of the Global Commission in progressing this vital work".
The Minister added that "I very much look forward to working with the IEA and the other members of the Global Commission in progressing its vital work".
Ends
Notes to editors:
Ireland is the venue host for the International Energy Agency's (IEA) fourth annual Global Conference on Energy Efficiency, which is taking place in Dublin this year on 24/25 June.
Founded in 1974, the international Energy Agency (IEA) was initially designed to help countries co-ordinate a collective response to major disruptions in the supply of oil, such as the crisis of 1973/4. While this remains a key aspect of its work, the IEA has evolved and expanded significantly and the IEA now examines the full spectrum of energy issues including oil, gas and coal supply and demand, renewable energy technologies, electricity markets, energy efficiency, access to energy, demand side management and much more. While energy security remains at the heart of the Agency's role, it is the pre-eminent international institution at the interface of Energy and Climate Action, and through its work, the IEA advocates policies that will enhance the reliability, affordability and sustainability of energy.