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Renewable Energy Generation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

Ceisteanna (545, 549)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

545. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the proportion of electricity generated from oil, gas, coal, wind, solar or other renewable sources; the extent to which the present position is in line with expectations and international requirements; when it is expected that renewable sources will meet the international targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53462/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

549. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the full extent of the development of the alternative energy sector over the past five years with a view to the benefit to the environment and the economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53466/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 545 and 549 together.

The Energy in Ireland 2018 Report was published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) last week. The report sets out the progress that Ireland has made in reducing reliance on fossil fuels for transport, heating and electricity production. In 2017, as Ireland’s economy grew by 7.2% as measured by gross domestic product (GDP) or 3% as measured by gross national income (GNI), overall energy use also increased by 0.5%. The report also states that renewable energy use grew by 52% between 2013 and 2017. Notwithstanding this, over 90% of all energy used in Ireland in 2017 was from fossil fuels.

Details of the proportions of electricity generated from oil, gas, coal, wind, solar or other renewable sources are available in Table 8 Growth rates, quantities and shares of electricity generated by fuel” on page 29 of the report.

There are no specific international requirements on the composition of electricity generation in the fuel mix. The EU Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC set 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. The SEAI analysis states that 10.6% of Ireland's overall energy requirements in 2017 were met from renewable sources. This avoided 4.1 million tonnes of CO2 emissions and €439 million of fossil fuel imports. Ireland achieved 30.1% of electricity, 6.9% of heat and 7.4% of transport energy requirements using renewable energy sources in 2017.

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