Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 December 2018
95. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans in respect of offshore wind energy; the number of offshore wind farms that are planned; the planned locations of these wind farms; the projected cost of same; his further plans to increase the capacity in this area over the next decade; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53164/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department published, in 2014, the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) which set out policy for the sustainable development of our abundant offshore renewable energy resources. An interim review of the OREDP was published in May and is available on my Department’s website: www.dccae.gov.ie. The Offshore Renewable Energy Steering Group, which oversees the implementation of the OREDP, is progressing the recommendations of the review and continuing the work of implementing the actions and enablers set out in the Plan.
My Department has also developed the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), which was approved by Government in July 2018, and it is expected that the first renewable electricity auctions will take place under RESS in 2019. The economic appraisal undertaken for RESS involved comparing the cost of supporting a range of commercial renewable technologies, including offshore wind, to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. Technology diversity will occur naturally as the scheme matures and certain intervention levers may be used within each auction round to promote certain policy objectives such as community participation, community ownership and diversifying the renewable energy mix.
The RESS has been designed to deliver Ireland’s contribution towards an EU-wide renewable energy target of 32% out to 2030, within a competitive auction-based, cost effective framework. The scheme will provide for a renewable electricity (RES-E) ambition of 55% by 2030. Furthermore, the National Development Plan will support Ireland’s offshore renewable energy potential through upgrading domestic and international grid connectivity.
I have secured Government approval to develop an all of Government plan which will set out the actions which must be taken to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change. I will work with colleagues across Government to develop new initiatives across electricity, transport and heat, as well as a range of other sectors.
The Marine Coordination Group (MCG) decided over the summer to establish a Marine Legislation Steering Group, chaired by the Department of an Taoiseach, to progress legislative priorities in the marine area, including the Maritime Area and Foreshore Amendment Bill, being led by the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. The Bill, when enacted, will provide for a regime to regulate certain activities in areas beyond the foreshore.
