Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 April 2023
196. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which emission reductions are likely to be achieved by way of alternative methods of electricity generation in the future; how this is likely to impact on achieving the target; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20165/23]
View answerIreland has made considerable progress in decarbonising our electricity sector over the last decade, with a major reason for this being the construction of renewable generation sources and their successful integration onto the electricity grid. The recently published Climate Action Plan 2023 includes the following targets:
- Target 6 GW of onshore wind and up to 5GW of solar by 2025;
- 80% of electricity demand to come from renewable sources by 2030;
- Target 9 GW onshore wind, 8 GW solar, and at least 5 GW of offshore wind by 2030 (and an additional 2 GW offshore wind for green hydrogen production);
- Support at least 500 MW of local community-based renewable energy projects and increased levels of new micro-generation and small-scale generation.
The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is one of the major Government policies to help deliver renewable electricity generation. RESS 1 led to 2022 being a record year for renewable grid connections. RESS 2 is expected to deliver an increase of nearly 20% in Ireland’s renewable electricity generation by 2025. RESS 3 will be held this year.
A Small-Scale Generation Scheme (SSGS) is also in development and is expected to become available later this year.
Ireland has considerable, but as of yet undeveloped, offshore renewable energy potential. The first Offshore Renewable Energy Auction (ORESS) is currently underway, and expected to procure approximately 2.5GW of capacity. Final results of this auction process are expected by end-June.
