Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
196. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on Q2 2023 targets in the Climate Action Plan to manage our energy transition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35289/23]
View answerClimate Action Plan 2023, published in December 2022, sets out the policies, measures and actions that will be necessary to achieve the required emissions reductions in the energy sector.
Our ambition is to deliver up to 80% renewable electricity generation by 2030. This will involve a dramatic reduction in fossil fuel generation; increasing renewable electricity; reinforcing the electricity grid (including greater interconnection to allow electricity to flow between Ireland and other European Countries); and putting systems in place to manage intermittent sources of power, especially from wind.
Reducing our emissions in the Built Environment sector means both reducing the energy demand through energy efficiency and decarbonising the energy that we do use. Improving the energy efficiency of our buildings will not only reduce emissions, but also reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels and improve our living standards, by providing buildings which are more comfortable, healthier, safer and less costly to heat. Electrification of heat and the deployment of district heating will ensure that our buildings are heated using zero emissions sources.
Achieving these targets requires changes across all sectors of society and the economy. These changes will require a collaborative effort by Government, businesses, communities, and individuals to implement new and ambitious policies, technological innovations, systems and infrastructures.
Progress Reports on delivery under the Climate Action Plan are published by the Department of the Taoiseach and can be viewed.
www.gov.ie/en/publication/55fde-climate-action-important-publications/.
