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Business As Usual Factsheet
Overview
Oil does not peak until 2030 and we continue to allow the market to determine investment.
commentary)
Economic Growth continues until energy prices in Ireland make us uncometative in relation to other European counties, who have invested significantly more in alternative energy supply. Renewables continue to increase slowly, but with oil and gas prices still relatively low, there is no incentive to invest in alternative technology until it becomes clear that oil and gas prices are about to peak.
Key Prices
Inflation: 3% per year (prices and wages) Energy Price Growth: 3% Growth Rate: Unemployment:
| Price Now | Energy Increase | Inflation | Total Increas | Future Price | ||
| Litre of Petrol | € 1.00 | 34% | 34% | 69% | € 1.69 | |
| kW of Electricity | € 0.12 | 34% | 34% | 69% | € 0.20 | |
| Pint of Guiness | € 3.50 | 10% | 34% | 44% | € 5.05 | Taxes are reduced to prevent otherwise higher increase in a pint |
| New Toyota Corolla | € 28,000 | 34% | 34% | 69% | € 47,259 | |
| New 3 Bed Semi | € 450,000 | 20% | 34% | 54% | € 694,762 | Assumes further site price rises and increase construction costs |
| Flying to Spain | € 50.00 | 50% | 34% | 84% | € 92.20 | Assumes tax subsidies on aviation fuel are reduced |
| Visit to GP | € 40.00 | 0% | 34% | 34% | € 53.76 |
Affordability
Key Facts
- Energy prices grow at 3% per year
- Research continues at its present level into alternative energy sources and into the development of better methods of energy storage, but there is no significant investment as fossil fuel energy remains relatively cheap.
- The level of waste grows in step with national income. Waste disposal will become even more costly
- 5 general waste incinerators by been built by 2015.
- Industry will meet EU regulations but not to exceed them.
- Labour is still regarded as the major cost of production and reducing the cost of labour per unit of output will continue to have priority over reducing the cost of energy.
- Investment in roads and airports continues.
- Energy prices will be kept low to enhance international competitiveness. Carbon taxes will not be introduced.
- Fossil fuel subsidies stay in place
- There is a continued push to increase exports.
- Ireland will continue to concentrate on developing knowledge-intensive (i.e. Low energy) businesses. Goods requiring a large amount of energy in their manufacture will be imported.
- Economic growth will continue to be the primary national goal. To the extent that growth is possible, the capital stock of the country will rise. This will require increased amounts of energy to run and to maintain.



