Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The 2009 EU renewable energy directive set Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. To meet this target, Ireland is committed to meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heating and 10% of transport power from renewable sources. On 31 July last, the Department launched two separate consultations on new support schemes, one for renewable electricity and one for a proposed renewable heat incentive. While the initial phase of both consultations closed on 18 September last, there will be two further opportunities to contribute to this. Ireland aims to meet its renewable transport targets mainly through the use of sustainable biofuels. Increased use of electric vehicles will also make a contribution. Further increases to the obligation rate in the biofuels obligation scheme will be required in the context of achieving our 2020 target. The Minister intends to initiate a consultation over the coming weeks. The details requested by the Deputy concerning the sources of renewable electricity generation projects that have been developed, or are in the course of being developed, are available on the EirGrid and ESB Networks websites. Greenhouse gas emissions targets are a matter for the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.

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