The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020, to be achieved through 40% renewables in electricity, 12% in heat and 10% in transport. These are national targets and are not disaggregated on a county basis.
The total amount of renewable generation connected to the grid at the start of March this year was 2,600 MW approximately; a further 3,700 MW has been contracted for connection to the grid. Detailed information in relation to the amount of renewable electricity generation capacity connected to the electricity grid, including capacity that is contracted for connection, is available on EirGrid’s and ESB Networks’ websites at www.eirgrid.com and www.esb.ie respectively.
Policies and schemes are in place to incentivise the use of renewable energy. The REFIT schemes underpin the development of a range of renewable electricity technologies, including hydro, biomass combustion, biomass combined heat and power, landfill gas and onshore wind. To date, wind energy has been the largest driver of growth in renewable electricity. It is estimated that a total of between 3,500 MW and 4,000 MW of onshore renewable generation capacity will be required to allow Ireland to meet its 40% renewable electricity target.
