Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 April 2010
344 Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of wind farms contributing to the national grid; the amount of electricity generated thereby; the number, if any, of such farms seeking access to the national grid; their capacity to produce electricity in the future; when it is expected that approval will be given to all such applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17019/10]
Amharc ar fhreagraEirGrid's most recent report of 8 February advises that there are just over 100 wind farms connected to the grid with an installed wind capacity 1264MW. There are an additional 100 wind farms with a total contracted capacity of 1415MW which have contracted for grid connections which will be built out over the next number of years.
The CER decision on the ‘Gate 3' round provides for connection offers for an additional 4,000 MW of renewable electricity capacity. This additional renewable capacity would at a minimum ensure that Ireland can meet its national target. Approximately 90% of those in Gate 3 are wind powered capacity including around 800 MW of offshore wind. Grid connection offers for projects within the Gate 3 process began to issue in December 2009 and will continue to be issued on a phased basis until mid 2011. Beyond Gate 3, there are further applications for several thousand megawatt of grid connection. A breakdown of these applications by type is not available.
