Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
94. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how much additional solar electricity generation he expects to be added in 2024; to confirm what the target is to have installed and generated by 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50383/23]
View answerSolar energy is a fast accelerating source of renewable indigenous electricity in Ireland and is rapidly transforming Ireland’s energy system with approximately 700 MW of grid connected capacity and expected to reach 1 GW by year end.
As well as its clear climate benefits, the Energy Security Package I launched this week earmarks the rapid programme of solar delivery underway, which is having a real impact on supply security and meeting electricity demand particularly over the summer months during periods of network/generation outages and maintenance and low wind output.
The Climate Action Plan 2023 includes the following targets of up to 5 GW of solar by 2025 and 8 GW solar by 2030 as well as supporting at least 500 MW of local community-based renewable energy projects and increased levels of new micro-generation and small-scale generation.
Ireland's acceleration of solar energy puts us on track to triple renewables by 2030 as recommended by the International Energy Agency to keep on track to keep global temperature increases to 1.5 degrees.
