Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 July 2019
2156. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the electricity needed to power electric vehicles will be generated from current methods, such as coal, oil and wind generated power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31962/19]
View answerIn the recently launched All of Government Climate Action Plan, I have set a target of 70% for renewable electricity by 2030, to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change.
The renewable electricity sector has undergone a considerable transformation over the last 10 years, with the share of renewable electricity generation more than doubling to 30.1% in 2017. However, we must step up the scale of our ambition even further in order to meet our climate ambitions. In order to meet the 70% RES-E target, major capital investment will be needed in new generation capacity, system service infrastructure and electricity transmission and distribution networks.
The Energy in Ireland 2018 Report which was published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) in December 2018 sets out details of the proportions of electricity generated from oil, gas, coal, wind, solar or other renewable sources. Specific details on the technology mix are available in Table 8 “Growth rates, quantities and shares of electricity generated by fuel” on page 29 of the report.
Looking forward to the projected renewable electricity capacity needed to meet Ireland's energy and climate ambitions, EirGrid's “Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios 2017 (July 2017) maps out four possible future scenarios covering the years 2020 to 2040. EirGrid are currently updating this document and carrying out a consultation on the revised draft setting out a number of future electricity scenarios in line with the targets set out in the Climate Action Plan.
