Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 February 2009
430 Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the target set nationally to obtain energy from natural resources; the percentage of the energy needs here which will be obtained from renewable energy sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6010/09]
View answerThe accelerated development of renewable energy resources is a key priority for the Government. The displacement of fossil fuels and the integration of renewable energy into the national energy mix is a key imperative for future energy security and sustainability, and the reduction of emissions.
The Government has set ambitious targets to increase the contribution of renewable energy as follows:
the electricity sector to 40% by 2020
12% of the heat sector by 2020 and
10% of the transport sector by 2020.
These targets are fully reflected in the overall renewable energy target set for Ireland's under the new EU Renewable Energy Directive.
