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Energy Policy Review

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 February 2014

Thursday, 27 February 2014

Questions (153)

Barry Cowen

Question:

153. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has reviewed or intends to review the effectiveness of his sustainable energy, energy efficiency, and demand side management policies, the outcome of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10168/14]

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Written answers

My department operates a range of programmes and policies in the energy arena and most are under ongoing review.

The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan (NEEAP) is the overarching policy framework for energy efficiency in Ireland and reaffirms Ireland’s commitment to a 20% energy savings target across the economy by 2020. Oversight of the NEEAP is provided by the NEEAP Implementation Group, chaired by my Department. The Group evaluated the range of actions outlined by NEEAP and the Plan is due to be updated later this year. As of end 2012, Ireland had achieved 11,419 GWh energy savings, which represents 36% of the national target to 2020. A revised NEEAP, in accordance with EU requirements, will be published later in the year.

The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. The Directive requires that Member States set out in a National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) their trajectories towards meeting these targets and the measures to be taken to achieve these targets. Ireland's NREAP provides that 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heating and 10% of transport power be produced from renewable sources. The first progress report on Ireland's NREAP was submitted in January 2012 and the second progress report, covering the years 2011 and 2012, was submitted to the European Commission earlier this month. The report highlights that in 2012 7.1% of our overall energy requirements were met from renewable sources which is up from 6.5% in 2011.

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