Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2020
125. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he and his Department are progressing climate change issues with particular reference to the reduction of carbon emissions and the development of the alternative energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35092/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe next ten years are critical if we are to address the climate crisis which threatens our safe future on this planet. The Programme for Government commits to an average 7% per annum reduction in overall greenhouse gas emissions from 2021 to 2030 - a 51% reduction over the decade - and to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The 2050 target will be set in law by the Climate Action Bill, which will drive the implementation of a suite of policies that will help achieve the Programme for Government's goal of a 7% yearly reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The finalisation of the Bill is a key part of our journey towards achieving the 7% annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The next iteration of the Climate Action Plan will identify and set out the far reaching policy changes across every sector to deliver these emissions reductions. The Programme for Government provides that a reliable supply of safe, secure and clean energy is essential in order to deliver a phase-out of fossil fuels. The Government is committed to the rapid decarbonisation of the energy sector and will take the necessary action to deliver at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
The 2019 Climate Action Plan included a commitment to deliver at least 3.5GW of offshore wind by 2030, up to 8.2GW of onshore wind, and up to 1.5GW of solar. The Programme for Government commits to a further increase in offshore wind deployment to 5 GW by 2030.
Ireland’s National Energy and Climate Plan sets out estimated trajectories by renewable energy technology in order to achieve the overall and sectoral trajectories for renewable energy from 2021 to 2030. These technology levels are indicative, and for electricity the level of each technology will be driven by technology costs and competitive auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) as well as major private sector funding through Corporate Power Purchase Agreements. The results of the first RESS auction were approved by Government in September 2020, which consisted of 479MW of onshore wind energy projects and 796MW of solar energy projects.
