Energy firm Energia is to create 200 jobs here over the next five years.

It is part of a €3bn investment by the company into renewable energy.

The announcement was made as the company opened its new Irish headquarters at Blanchardstown in Dublin.

The investment is supported by Energia Group's owners, global infrastructure investment group Squared Capital.

It will create 200 new jobs directly across the group - in areas such as customer solutions and renewable technology - as well as an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 construction jobs.

The programme will be implemented with a range of projects - including onshore and offshore wind farms, solar power, hydrogen fuel generation, bio-energy facilities and the smart grid.

The company says this is in line with the Government's commitment to increase the amount of electricity generated from renewable sources from 30% now to 70% by 2030.

The Energia Group currently employs 800 people on the island of Ireland.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton says: "This investment by Energia will boost Ireland's capacity, with over €3bn being invested in onshore and offshore wind, solar, hydrogen fuel generation and bio-energy facilities.

"Energia's decision to build on its existing commitment and expand so significantly in Ireland shows the huge opportunity that is available to the sector in a decarbonised society."

Energia Group CEO Ian Thom says: "This is a proud day for Energia Group and an important milestone as we celebrate twenty years serving in the deregulated energy markets across the island of Ireland.

"To date we have invested over €1bn in the Irish energy market, driving developments to meet the needs of a high performance economy and society, north and south.

"Our decision to invest over €3bn in renewable technology and energy infrastructure in the coming years is a clear signal of our intent to build on our continuous commitment to Irish communities, the economy and the sustainability of Ireland's energy supply while contributing decisively to decarbonisation and the protection of our domestic and global environment."

Established in 1999, Energia has offices in Dublin, Galway, Cork and Belfast.

It supplies approximately 25% of the island's total energy and 21% of total wind power for over 750,000 homes and businesses.

The company operates through Energia in the Republic of Ireland and Power NI in the North.