Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 May 2023
11. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total amount of onshore wind capacity that there was by the end of 2022; and the amount of new onshore wind capacity that is expected to be installed by the end of 2023 and 2024 respectively, in tabular form. [26415/23]
View answer12. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the total amount of onshore wind capacity that is expected to be installed by the end of 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively, in tabular form. [26416/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 12 together.
With approximately 4,400 MW of onshore wind generation capacity at the end of 2022, Ireland is in the top five globally for installed wind power capacity per capita.
In order to build on this success and increase wind and solar generation on the grid, my Department is delivering a regular programme of auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) including a third onshore renewables auction to take place later this year.
The Climate Action Plan 2023 sets out a target of 9 GW of onshore wind by 2023. A supportive spatial planning policy for onshore renewables is essential to enable this and further onshore wind development will play a critical to supporting Ireland's carbon budget for electricity and increasing our security of supply through use of indigenous energy resources.
I refer the Deputy again to the published Indicative Schedule of RESS Auctions for further information on the timeline of further RESS auctions and the indicative volume of renewable electricity generation for each auction, RESS - Proposed Auctions Schedule - 86c32a4e-c3a1-4bda-9140-853e89a0f000.pdf (www.gov.ie).
