Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The energy policy framework and the Programme for Government have set renewable energy targets for the electricity, heat and transport sectors. In addition to contributing to fuel diversity and sustainability, these targets are critical to national, EU and Kyoto greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets.

We have set a target of 15% of electricity consumption to be generated from renewable energy sources by 2010, rising to 33% by 2020. The contribution in 2006 was 8.6%, up from 6.8% in 2005 and 5.2% in 2004. It is estimated that the 2007 contribution will be of the order of 10% with further incremental delivery in 2008. We now have over 1,000 MW of renewable generating capacity connected and over 500 MW with signed connection offers in place, which will ensure that we meet our target in 2010. I will be publishing the report of the all-island grid study jointly with my Northern colleague, Minister Dodds, early in 2008. The report will inform the investment and infrastructure decisions necessary to deliver on the 2020 target.

We have set a target of 5.75% market penetration by bio-fuels to 2010 and 10% by 2020. The introduction of the bio-fuels obligation in 2009 will require all fuel suppliers to ensure that bio-fuels represent a certain percentage of their annual fuel sales. Implementation of the obligation will require consultation and appropriate legislation. Fuel suppliers will also require time to make the necessary adjustments to meet their bio-fuels targets.

The obligation will build on the results of the 2005 and 2006 mineral oil tax relief schemes for bio-fuels, which saw a total of 18 projects being awarded excise relief between 2005 and 2010. The schemes were designed as interim measures to accelerate the level of bio-fuels in the fuel mix, in advance of the introduction of the bio-fuels obligation in 2009. They will underpin achievement of the 2% target next year.

In line with the European Union, we have set a national target of 20% increase in energy efficiency by 2020 with a more ambitious target of 33% energy savings in the public sector. We have just completed the public consultation process on the national energy efficiency action plan, which proposes over 60 actions to meet our energy efficiency targets. The action plan will be launched in early 2008.

The Government has also set a national target of 5% penetration by 2010 and 12% by 2020 for renewable energy heating. The greener homes scheme together with accelerated delivery of Sustainable Energy Ireland's renewable heat and combined heat and power programmes will directly contribute to achieving our target for the heating sector.

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