Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2018
487. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will report on planned offshore wind farms; the status of planning and procurement for prospective offshore wind farms; the status of offshore wind farms being built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48871/18]
View answerMy Department published the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) in 2014 which set out policy for the sustainable development of our abundant offshore renewable energy resources. An interim review of the OREDP was published in May and is available on my Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie. The Offshore Renewable Energy Steering Group, which oversees the implementation of the OREDP is progressing the recommendations of the review and continuing the work of implementing the actions and enablers set out in the Plan.
My Department has also developed the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which was approved by Government in July 2018 and it is expected that the first renewable electricity auctions will take place under RESS in 2019. The economic appraisal undertaken for RESS involved comparing the cost of supporting a range of commercial renewable technologies, including offshore wind, to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. Technology diversity will occur naturally as the scheme matures and certain intervention levers may be used within each auction round to promote certain policy objectives such as community participation, community ownership and diversifying the renewable energy mix.
The RESS has been designed to deliver Ireland’s contribution towards an EU-wide renewable energy target of 32% out to 2030, within a competitive auction-based, cost effective framework. The scheme will provide for a renewable electricity (RES-E) ambition of up to a maximum of 55% by 2030 subject to determining the cost effective level which will be set out in the National Energy and Climate Plan.
The development and consenting of specific offshore windfarms under the Foreshore Act is a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
