I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 183 together.
The Energy White Paper presents a long-term strategic vision that is intended to guide the direction of Irish energy policy from now until 2030. At its heart is a commitment to transform Ireland into a low carbon society and economy by 2050 and envisages a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from the energy system by 80-95% relative to 1990 levels by 2050. The White Paper identifies the importance of diversifying Ireland's energy generation portfolio and largely decarbonising the energy sector by 2050 but also recognises that some fossil fuels will remain significant elements of Ireland’s energy supply in that transition period.
The 2009 EU Renewable Energy Directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable sources of energy, with the latter target also being legally binding.
Overall, provisional SEAI analysis shows that 10.6% of Ireland’s energy requirements in 2017 were met from renewable sources, with an expectation that Ireland will achieve at least 80% of its 16% renewable energy target by 2020. The SEAI has also estimated that the contribution of renewables avoided €276 million of fossil fuel imports in 2017.
The Programme for Government commits to supporting the transition of peat power plants to greater amounts of biomass whilst mindful of the need to develop a sustainable indigenous supply chain and support employment in the regions. Furthermore, the National Mitigation Plan 2017 restates the Government's commitment to move from a fossil fuel based electricity system to a low carbon power system.
The Government has also adopted a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy including the Renewable Energy Feed-In-Tariff (REFIT) schemes. In addition, my Department is currently developing a proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030.
Ireland aims to increase renewable energy in transport by increasing the use of sustainable biofuels and by the increased deployment of Electric Vehicles. An Electric Vehicle Grant Scheme is in place to provide grant aid of up to €5,000 towards the purchase of a new full battery EV (EV) or Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). These grants are in addition to the VRT reliefs of up to €5,000. Budget 2018 extended VRT reliefs on PHEVs to end 2018 and on EVs to end 2021. A new grant to support the installation of home charger points for buyers of new and second-hand EVs is in place since January 2018.
An electric vehicle public awareness campaign was developed by SEAI and launched on the opening day of the SEAI Energy Show last month. The first phase of the campaign includes a new website (www.DrivingElectric.ie ) which provides information on the benefits of buying and driving an EV, the EV models available and where to arrange a test drive. The accompanying advertising campaign will be followed by a series of national, regional and local roadshows providing the public with the opportunity to test drive electric vehicles.
The Low Emissions Vehicle Taskforce, which is co-chaired by my Department and the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, is considering the measures and options available to Government to accelerate the deployment of electric vehicles. This has led to an expanded range of supports for electric vehicles (EVs).
The focus of my Department remains firmly on meeting our 2020 renewable target and on implementation of renewable energy measures, including the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme and the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat.
