Electricity Generation

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023

Tuesday, 28 February 2023

Ceisteanna (163, 164, 165)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

163. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which the alternative energy electricity generating programme continues at pace, with particular reference to availing of wind generation, onshore and offshore; the precise extent to which this capacity has increased or is increasing, with a view to maximisation at the earliest possible date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10242/23]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

164. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the degree to which wind and solar electricity generating targets are being realised at present; the extent to which such generation can be accelerated in the short- to medium-term, with particular reference to the expected contribution to the national grid over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10243/23]

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

165. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which wind or solar electricity generation farms continue to be encouraged in the short-, medium- and long-term, with a view to contributing to and stabilising the national grid given requirements likely in the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10244/23]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 164 to 165, inclusive, together.

Under the Climate Action Plan 2023, Government has set an ambitious target of having an 80% share of electricity generation capacity coming from renewable sources by 2030.

With approximately 4,403 MW of connected wind generation capacity, we are in the top five globally for installed wind power capacity per capita. In order to build on this success and increase wind and solar generation on the grid, my Department is delivering a regular programme of auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS).

The RESS auctions provide pathways for renewable developers to plan and develop their projects, with supported technologies including, but not limited to, onshore wind, solar, and hybrids (co-located wind, solar, and/or storage), with offshore wind projects participating under the dedicated Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS). This method allows Ireland to take advantage of new technologies as they emerge.

The first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auction (RESS 1) was held in 2020 and as a result of that pathway being provided for renewable developers, 2022 was a record year for the connection of renewable electricity capacity to the grid. More RESS 1 projects are expected to connect to the grid throughout 2023. The second RESS auction (RESS 2) was held in 2022, with the successful projects in that auction representing a nearly 20% increase on current renewable electricity generation capacity. Projects from RESS 2 will start to connect to the grid between the end of this year and 2025.

Officials in my Department are currently working on progressing the next two RESS auctions, RESS 3 for onshore renewables, and ORESS 1 (Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme) for offshore wind, with both expected to be held later this year.

Further auction rounds are expected in future years and an updated RESS auction schedule will be published shortly.

Question No. 164 answered with Question No. 163.

Question No. 165 answered with Question No. 163.