Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
161. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he expects to rely on onshore and off-shore wind-generated electricity over the next ten years; the extent to which he expects to meet overall targets in respect of alternative energy production throughout the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44358/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits Ireland to achieving at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030. Ireland's latest renewable energy projections are reported in the 2019 National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), available here: assets.gov.ie/94442/f3e50986-9fde-4d34-aa35-319af3bfac0c.pdf, which was prepared before the Programme for Government.
Table 7 of the NECP details the planned trajectory of all renewable energy technologies, including onshore and offshore wind, in terms of installed capacity and in terms of energy generated in each of the years from 2018 to 2030. Table 5 of the NECP outlines the overall renewable energy projections for the same period.
Regarding offshore wind, it should be noted that the NECP trajectories were based on the previous 2030 target of 3.5GW, which has since been increased to 5GW under the Programme for Government. The NECP will be revised and the updated version will reflect this increased ambition.
The actions we are taking now, and the further actions to be announced in the 2021 Climate Action Plan, will set us on the path to at least a 70% renewable electricity target and increased electrification of our end-use sectors by 2030, and ultimately towards our national climate objective of net-zero by 2050.
