Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 31 May 2018
32. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his target for the percentage of the energy derived from renewable energy by 2030; and the target percentage of renewable power he is suggesting for Europe as part of the new EU clean energy legislative package. [23966/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Energy White Paper presents a long-term strategic vision that is intended to guide the direction of Irish energy policy from now until 2030. It identifies the long-term strategic importance of diversifying Ireland's energy generation portfolio and largely decarbonising the energy sector by 2050. It does not set out targets for specific renewable technologies; rather it provides a framework to guide policy between now and 2030.
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. Investment in further renewable generation will be incentivised. Natural gas will continue to play a key role as a transition fuel.
The National Development Plan 2018-2027 sets out clear measures towards decarbonisation, including the upgrading of 45,000 homes every year from 2021 to make them energy efficient, up to 4,500MW of renewable electricity generation, roll-out of the support scheme for renewable heat, and commitments on electric vehicles and low-emission public transport. However, in the transition, the lowest CO2 emitting fossil fuel is still required to ensure a safe, secure and competitive path towards sustainability. In addition to this the planned closure of Moneypoint by 2025 and the ending of peat for electricity generation in advance of 2030 will have a positive impact.
In regard to future electricity demand, EirGrid have modelled a number of scenarios in their 2017 publication “Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios". Each scenario predicts a different possible future for the generation and consumption of electricity out to 2040. A link to the document is available at
http://www.eirgridgroup.com/site-files/library/EirGrid/EirGrid-Tomorrows-Energy-Scenarios-Report-2017.pdf .
At the December 2017 Energy Council, the General Agreement reached by the Member States on the Clean Energy Package set out an EU level 2030 target of 27% for Renewable Energy and 30% for Energy Efficiency. There were also a number of flexibilities agreed by the Council across a number of the proposals. Trilogues with the EU Parliament are ongoing with the Parliament seeking a 35% renewable energy target, a 35% energy efficiency target and also seeking to limit the flexibilities in the proposals.
The level of Ireland's renewable energy ambition post-2020 will have regard to our obligations under the Renewable Energy Directive and the Governance Regulation as may be agreed under the Clean Energy Package. It is important that our contribution to the overall goals can be met in a cost efficient way, that is fair and technically achievable, and takes account of our specific economic circumstances and geographical position on the periphery of Europe.
