Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 March 2019
241. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of electricity generated from oil, coal, gas, biomass, solar, wind or wave generation; the extent to which this is expected to change within the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14519/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra248. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which wind energy, hydro or other non-fossil fuel generated electricity is available to EirGrid; the extent to which this can be reflected as a percentage of total requirements at maximum load times; his plans to address the deficit within a reasonable period of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14526/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 241 and 248 together.
The most recent Energy in Ireland report which covered the period up to end 2017 was published in December 2018 by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). Renewables, including wind (25%) generated around 30% of Ireland's electricity in 2017, with the other main sources being gas at 51%, coal 12% and peat 7%.
EirGrid as Transmission System Operator ensure the power system remains stable through all grid conditions. They have indicated that wind and hydro accounted for 34% of electricity consumption during maximum load periods (5pm to 7pm) during the winter months from November 2018 to February 2019.
In 2010, EirGrid launched the Delivering a Secure, Sustainable Power System (DS3) programme which allows increasing levels of wind and solar generation on the grid while maintaining grid security. The DS3 Programme now allows for two thirds of electricity at any one time being generated on the island of Ireland to come from wind, solar generation, hydro and other non-fossil fuel, with the goal of increasing this level to 75% in 2020.
We are stepping up our ambition on renewable energy - by 2030, I have committed to 70% of our electricity being generated from renewable sources.
