A new representative body has launched to advocate for the faster electrification of Ireland's heating and transportation systems.
Ireland Electrified will lobby for policies that will lead to what it calls a "second electrification revolution".
This, it says, coupled with efforts to increase renewable energy generation here, will help to cut the country's carbon emissions and improve its energy security.
Members of the group include semi-state bodies ESB and Bord na Móna, energy providers SSE and Energia, and wind energy firms Corio and Orsted.
"A central part of any plan to cut our carbon emissions and to end our dependency on imported fossil fuels must be to electrify our heat and transport systems," said Donall O'Brien, chairperson of Ireland Electrified.
"We will be developing policies that encourage the transition away from fossil fuels and incentivise greater use of electricity, especially for heat and transport," Mr O'Brien said.
"We will be seeking quicker connections for electrification where companies can be flexible in their demand, a review of electricity pass-through costs, better utilisation of the electricity we are already producing for the grid and improved EV charging infrastructure," he added.
Mr O'Brien said the group was also looking for new members to join as part of its efforts to influence national policy.
The launch of the group was welcomed by Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications Eamon Ryan.
Electricity will go from 20% of the energy system now to about 80% of the energy system in the second half of this century, allowing a far cleaner, efficient and indigenous energy system that will benefit all of our citizens," he said.
