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Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 June 2013

Tuesday, 11 June 2013

Questions (89)

John Halligan

Question:

89. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide a report on any and all plans to reach the EU targets set for increasing renewable energy here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27878/13]

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Written answers

The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a binding target where at least 16% of our energy requirements should come from renewable sources by 2020. In order to meet our overall 16% requirement, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heating and 10% of transport from renewable sources.

Though these targets are challenging, I am confident that they can be met. My Department’s Strategy for Renewable Energy 2012 to 2020 sets out the key strategic goals for the various renewable energy sectors in the context of Ireland’s EU obligations.

In addition, under the Directive, Ireland was required to set out in a National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) the trajectory towards meeting its legally binding targets. The NREAP and the First Progress Report on the NREAP, which are available on my Department’s website, show the sectoral and technology breakdown that we anticipate in the achievement of our target.

By the end of 2011, we had reached 6.4% of overall energy consumption from renewable sources and the trajectory set out in the NREAP assumes that we will achieve the 16% target incrementally at approximately 1% per annum.

There are a number of policy measures in place designed to support the development necessary to meet Ireland’s renewable energy obligations. The Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes incentivise increasing amounts of renewable electricity to connect to the grid. The REFIT3 support for biomass Combined Heat and Power (CHP) technologies, is supporting progress on our renewable heat target. Measures such as the Biofuel Obligation Scheme to increase the use of biofuels, and the Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme to incentivise the purchase of new Electric Vehicles are the mechanisms being used to achieve our target for renewable transport. Policy interventions through the ReHeat schemes, energy efficiency schemes, building regulations, REFIT3 for CHP and natural market migration to renewable heating technologies will deliver the majority of the 12% renewable heat target. In addition, later this year I will be publishing a National Bioenergy Strategy which will further outline the role energy from biomass will play to contribute to the achievement of our national targets and, in particular, the target for the heat sector.

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