The overarching objective of the Government's energy policy is to ensure secure and sustainable supplies of competitively priced energy to all consumers. A well balanced fuel mix that provides reliable energy, minimises costs and protects against supply disruptions and price volatility, is essential to Irish consumers.
The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. In order to meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources. Currently, the total amount of renewable generation connected to the grid is 2,700 MW approx. of which just under 2,400 MW is wind. EirGrid have forecasted in their “All-island Generation Capacity Statement 2015-2024” that between 3,200 and 3,800 MW of wind generating capacity will be required to allow Ireland to achieve 40% renewable electricity.
Ireland will also be required to meet targets for electricity generated from renewable sources in 2030. At the October 2014 meeting of the European Council, agreement was reached on the headline targets for the 2030 Climate and Energy Framework, requiring a reduction in EU greenhouse gas emissions of 40%, an increase in EU energy from renewable sources to 27%, and an indicative target of 27% energy efficiency in the EU. Ireland will be required to make a contribution to the achievement of these targets which will require additional electricity generated from renewable sources. Every effort is being made to ensure that Ireland's 2030 target will be technically feasible, cost effective and fair in terms of burden sharing across EU Member States.