Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 26 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 6

Written Answers. - Renewable Energy Sources.

Seán Crowe

Question:

213 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources the steps being taken by his Department to promote the production of electricity from renewable energy sources as directed by the European Union and which constitutes an important part of the package needed to comply with the Kyoto protocol. [14966/02]

Minister for Communications, the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. D. Ahern)

Directive 2001/77/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 27 September 2001 on the promotion of electricity produced from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market (OJ L283, V44) addresses an obligation to Ireland to implement a programme aimed at increasing the consumption of electricity from renewable energy sources to 13.2% of total electricity consumed nationally by 2010.

The target set by my predecessor to add an additional 500 megawatts (MW) of new renewable energy based electricity generating stations by 2005 will increase consumption of electricity from renewable sources to about 12% of total consumption by 2005. The form of support is access to a contract obliging the ESB to purchase the output of selected electricity generating stations at guaranteed prices for up to 15 years. On this basis a revenue stream is guaranteed and projects are bankable.

In addition, in the near term, in partnership with Sustainable Energy Ireland, I will bring forward enhanced mapping tools to assist planners, developers and the public generally; commence a network grid upgrade programme targeted specifically at renewable energy projects and launch an investment programme in renewable energy research, development and demonstration technologies. Additional support measures outlined in the programme for Government include improved tax incentives for renewable energy projects and measures to exploit the offshore potential.

My immediate goal, however, is to complete the programme to support the building of an additional 500 MW of new renewable energy based electricity generating stations. I am satisfied the work already commenced and the additional initiatives I will implement will ensure the EU target addressed to Ireland is met and most likely surpassed by 2010.