Full coverage: Energy

Companies interested in drilling Ireland’s offshore have abandoned nearly half of their concessions in less than one year. While the move matches policy to shift away from fossil fuels, it leaves senior civil servants worried as the country’s dependence on imported gas increases.

The Programme for Government has promised €9.5 billion to help households and farmers become greener, funded by a four-fold increase in carbon tax over the coming decade. Data compiled by tax officials shows this is unlikely to happen.

For the first time in five years, new renewable electricity generation sites have been selected to receive government support, unlocking a new wave of pent-up investment, construction and corporate deals in the sector.

Bundled solutions taking the risk and the upfront cost out of switching to low-energy lighting, electric vehicles or solar panels for businesses are now needed for households. Industry and the new government have been tiptoeing around this model – it is time they take the plunge.

Appointed boss of Bord Gáis Energy in her 30s, Catherine O’Kelly has led the €1bn business through Covid-19. As O'Kelly prepares to return to Centrica in the UK, she reflects on lessons learned, the current crisis and the green agenda.

This spring, eEnergy’s CEO told The Currency that the company would acquire other players to develop its LED-as-a-service model and target the school market. A first deal puts the strategy in practice.

The majority of policies agreed by Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party to achieve the transition towards a greener economy were already known from previous commitments or set in EU legislation. Yet a new level of ambition is emerging, with concrete actions most clearly spelled out in transport – and a lot left to be teased out in agriculture.

Norman Crowley has set his global carbon efficiency business on a path to double revenue every year – although he acknowledges a nine-month setback from Covid-19. As the Greens are set to enter government here, does he expect a policy boost to his business? “No.”

Although both the Irish oil explorer’s board and new investors led by businessman Roger Tamraz say they want to keep working together, the cancellation of disputed shares earmarked for a reverse takeover leaves little room for their grand plan to take place.

Since a January High Court injunction froze dealings between the Irish oil explorer Petrel Resources and its new largest shareholders, their stake has remained under the threat of a loan agreement signed with a mysterious US lender.