Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 July 2008
938 Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in respect of the proposal in the programme for Government to optimise the amount of indigenous, renewable energy which can be used safely and at a fair price to consumers by increasing the opportunities for offshore wind and ocean and tidal energy generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28620/08]
View answerThe Government's target is to increase the contribution from indigenous renewable energy sources in the electricity market to 15% of electricity consumed by 2010 and 33% by 2020. The contribution from renewable energy sources to electricity consumed has increased from 5.2% in 2004 to 6.8% in 2005, 8.6% in 2006 and 9.5% (estimate) in 2007.
There is in excess of 1,000 megawatts of renewable powered capacity currently connected to the electricity grid delivering the 9.5% contribution. It is estimated that a total generating capacity of 1,650 megawatts will be required to achieve the 2010 target. There is approximately 1,500 megawatts of additional capacity already accepted into REFIT, the current support programme for new renewable energy powered projects. This capacity, which consists predominantly of onshore wind-powered projects, is capable of providing the additional capacity required to achieve and exceed the 15% target. The additional categories of offshore wind and wave and tidal will contribute to the delivery of the later 2020 target.
