ESB says carbon-free future viable

IRELAND IS unlikely to have to pay as much for the transition to a carbon-free energy system as many other European countries, according to ESB chief executive Padraig McManus.

EU members are collectively facing a €2 trillion bill over the next 40 years – around €100 a year for each person – to pay for the new technology and integrated electricity networks needed to meet its target of being carbon neutral by 2050.

Speaking at the Eurelectric industry conference in Dublin yesterday, Mr McManus said Ireland has a number of advantages that mean the costs here are not likely to be “as penal” as those which will hit other EU nations.

“We have a ready availability of wind here, and that’s going to stand to us,” Mr McManus said. He also explained that the electricity systems on both sides of the Border are on the way to becoming fully integrated, and said that east-west integration with Britain will add to that.

The ESB has set its own target of being carbon-neutral by 2035, which is 15 years ahead of the general industry deadline.