It is often said that in the past century the global economy has lifted billions of people out of poverty. China's economic prosperity was responsible for more than 60% of that figure and it has been based on very different models to the ones we have here in Europe. While, of course, we must condemn human rights abuses in China, it is also true that China now has more renewable energy than Europe, is a leader in electric vehicles and has built more homes for its people. The question of energy security is of particular interest, given the current geopolitical instability. China has managed to insulate itself relative to the EU and others. Did the Taoiseach's recent visit to China cause any reflection on the improvements to energy policy we might see here in Ireland, particularly in terms of developing renewables as our best chance of securing a domestic supply, insulating ourselves in a similar way and for how the State can be more actively involved, as is the case in China?

Sentiment score: 0.21