Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 May 2016

Thursday, 5 May 2016

Questions (140)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

140. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the figures on Ireland’s energy targets for 2020, including renewable energy targets, by overall percentage consumption from renewable energy sources; percentage of electricity demand from renewable energy generation, share of energy from renewable sources in the heating and transport sectors, energy consumption efficient targets, and non-emissions trading system greenhouse gas emissions reductions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9295/16]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable sources of energy, with the latter transport target also being legally binding. Figures provided by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) show that, in 2014, 8.6% of Ireland’s overall energy requirements were met from renewable sources. More specifically, the SEAI has calculated that 22.7% of electricity, 6.6% of heat and 5.2% of transport energy requirements were from renewable sources in 2014.

Ireland has committed to improving energy efficiency by 20% by 2020 as part of our EU climate change obligations. This is a non-binding target. In 2014, Ireland was almost half way to achieving its 2020 target.

Green House Gas  emissions are a matter for the Minister for the  Environment, Community and Local Government.