Barry Cowen
Ceist:23. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his proposals for the future of biofuels here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53250/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 29 November 2012
Ceisteanna (23, 30)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:30. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the consequences for Ireland of EU Commission proposals that aim to cap crop based bio-fuel production to a maximum of 5% of total transport fuel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53268/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 23 and 30 together.
The Biofuel Obligation Scheme was introduced in July 2010 as the primary means to meet the target of at least 10% renewable energy in transport by 2020, which was mandated by the Renewable Energy Directive. It is estimated that 8.4% of the energy in transport in Ireland will be achieved by deployment of biofuels. The Biofuel Obligation currently requires that the amount of biofuels brought to the market is not less than 4% by volume of the relevant disposal of petroleum road transport fuels. This obligation will increase over time with first increase happening from 2013.
Recently, the European Commission circulated a proposal to amend sections of the Renewable Energy Directive. This proposal will be discussed during the Irish presidency of the EU next year. One of the amendments proposed is that no more than 5% of the energy in the transport sector should come from biofuels produced from certain crops. My Department is currently examining the proposal and its implications for meeting the target of 10% renewable energy by 2020.
In order to maintain progress towards achieving targets, I intend to increase the Biofuel Obligation from January next year. This increase will not be affected by the proposed amendment on crop based biofuels as the overall energy content of the obligation will not breach the proposed 5% cap. The rate of the obligation will remain the same until the end of 2014. Decisions on further increases after 2014 will be taken after any amendments to the Renewable Energy Directive have been finalised.