Exchequer investment in Irish Energy Centre activities in 1999 will be approximately £2 million. In addition it is estimated that EU grants of £1.3 million will be paid out under the energy efficiency investment support scheme, attracting additional private investment of £3.2 million in 1999.
Furthermore, investment of the order of £8 million in highly efficient combined heat and power units in industry will take place in 1999. The ESB will have invested £6 million in its demand side management programme promoting energy efficiency and related activities with its customers during the year.
This £20.5 million investment in energy efficiency will produce approximately £13 million in energy savings. The amount of CO2 reduction as a result is estimated at approximately 540,000 tonnes.