Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 28 November 2019
219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which alternative energy generation sources contribute to the national grid; the progress in this regard year on year over the past ten years; the expectation for the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49669/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has estimated that, in 2018, approximately 33.2% of electricity demand was met from renewable sources.
The following table shows the progress on the contribution of renewable energy sources to electricity generation. Progress since 2008 to date has been that its contribution increased from 10.8% of gross electricity consumption to 33.2% in 2018.
Renewable Energy Contribution to Gross Electricity Consumption (RES-E normalised):
|
Year |
Normalised Renewables % of Gross Electricity |
|
2008 |
10.8% |
|
2009 |
14.0% |
|
2010 |
15.6% |
|
2011 |
18.3% |
|
2012 |
19.8% |
|
2013 |
21.3% |
|
2014 |
23.5% |
|
2015 |
25.5% |
|
2016 |
26.8% |
|
2017 |
30.1% |
|
2018 |
33.2% |
EirGrid’s long-term view of the electricity transmission system is detailed in its Tomorrow’s Energy Scenarios 2019 report published recently. The specific trajectory of renewable electricity out to 2030 will be set out in Ireland's National Energy and Climate Plan which is due to be finalised by the end of 2019.
The Climate Action Plan will be stepping up ambition in the renewable electricity sector with 70% of our electricity to be generated from renewable sources by 2030. This will require significant changes to the operation and management of the electricity grid, to integrate wind and solar energy at scale.
