DANGER HIGH PRICES

Ireland risks supply issue if we don't turn to nuclear energy'

- KEN FOXE

IRELAND could be leaving itself in a "decisively disadvantageous" position with high energy prices and risks to supply if it does not consider nuclear power.

An internal briefing from EirGrid said we currently have among the highest electricity prices in the world for households and businesses.

It said sky-high power bills were creating a huge financial burden for the public and threatened the viability of Irish businesses.

The note said there was currently a prohibition on developing nuclear energy and that government policy envisioned a future in which the country was powered by wind, solar, and "various forms of storage".

RISKS

However, it said this was not without risks in what is known as the "energy trilemma" of sustainability, affordability, and reliability.

New small modular nuclear reactors may in the future reduce costs and could potentially present an answer to the trilemma.

The briefing explained: "In such a world, Ireland may find itself in a decisively disadvantageous position when compared to international competitors.