Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 November 2019
215. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the amount of electricity being generated from onshore wind, offshore wind, hydro and solar sources; the extent to which this can form part of a reliable electricity grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49650/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the daily electricity requirements as provided for by the national grid; the degree to which electricity generation sources are from non-fossil fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49651/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 215 and 216 together.
EirGrid have estimated that, in the 12 months ending September 2019, 35.2% of generated electricity has been from renewable sources. That figure consists of approx. 32% from wind energy, 2.5% from hydropower and 0.7% from other renewable sources. This does not include small scale and micro generation which could contribute up to 1% more to the total. Currently, offshore wind and solar represent less than 1% of total renewable electricity.
EirGrid are the Transmission System Operator for the national grid and operate the system in a safe and secure manner. Information on Ireland’s fuel mix for electricity generation is available on EirGrid’s website and updated on a monthly basis: http://www.eirgridgroup.com. This website also lists the installed capacity of each hydro-electric station attached to the transmission grid.
