Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 November 2012
152. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the full extent of bio-fuel production with particular reference to biodiesel and ethanol; the full extent of all production facilities currently available; his plans for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53583/12]
View answerAccording to the most recent Biofuels Obligation Scheme Annual Report, there were four entities producing biofuels participating in the Biofuel Obligation Scheme.
The Biofuel Obligation Scheme was introduced in July 2010 as the primary means to meet the target of at least 10% renewable energy in transport by 2020, which was mandated by the Renewable Energy Directive. It is estimated that 8.4% of the energy in transport in Ireland will be achieved by deployment of biofuels by 2020. The Biofuel Obligation currently requires that the amount of biofuels brought to the market is not less than 4% by volume of the relevant disposal of petroleum road transport fuels. This obligation will increase over time with the first increase happening from 2013. The biofuel obligation has successfully delivered increased amounts of biofuel in Ireland resulting in 145 million litres of biofuel being placed on the Irish market in 2011. It will ensure the sustainable growth of the Irish biofuels market thus supporting the growth of sustainable indigenous production of biofuels.
