Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Ó Domhnaill for raising this issue. Ireland is fortunate to have very rich wind resources. We can exploit these renewable resources to generate electricity, reduce our import bills for gas and oil and contribute to decarbonising our energy systems. The exploitation of this clean, sustainable and indigenous resource will allow us to break our dependence on expensive imported fossil fuels and reduce our harmful emissions. It also holds the potential for Ireland to become an exporter of renewable energy. As Senators will be aware, Ireland has a challenging EU renewable energy target to meet by 2020, which includes meeting 40% of electricity demand from renewable sources. The deployment of wind generation to meet our domestic targets has already started to realise economic benefits. A recent survey of the members of the Irish Wind Energy Association indicated that some 3,400 people are employed in this sector.

Developers have made, or are making, decisions on their Gate 3 connection offers. The response has been very positive. Information from EirGrid and ESB Networks indicates that sufficient wind farms have accepted offers to connect to the grid to facilitate meeting the target of providing 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. The Gate 3 phase of group processing by EirGrid and ESB Networks has resulted in approximately 3,000 MW of wind generators accepting their offers to connect so far. When that is added to the current installed renewable generation and existing contracts for connection, it is clear that Ireland is on track to meet its EU renewable energy targets by 2020. There is significant work ahead in delivering the required grid infrastructure and developing smart grid solutions. A major effort and commitment is also required of wind farm developers to bring these projects to fruition. Nevertheless, this is a very positive milestone.

In addition to the figures I have mentioned, just over 2,000 MW of renewable generation is already connected to the power system in Ireland, mainly from onshore wind farms. In the electricity sector, it has been estimated that between 3,500 and 4,000 MW of installed wind generation will be required to meet Ireland's renewable targets, in addition to hydro-generation, bio-energy and renewable combined heat and power generators. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland produces an annual report on renewable energy in Ireland. This report examines the contribution made by renewables to Ireland's energy requirements for the period since 1990. In the past five years, renewable energy has saved over €1 billion in fossil fuel imports, has reduced carbon dioxide emissions by 12 million tonnes and has not added to consumers' bills.

The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is completing a cost-benefit analysis of the export opportunities offered by renewable energy. In order to ensure Ireland continues to meet its renewable energy targets, while also ensuring wind generation does not have negative impacts on local communities, the Departments of the Environment, Community and Local Government and Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland are undertaking a review of the wind energy guidelines. This review will address the key issues of noise, including separation distance, and shadow flicker. Draft guidelines went out for public consultation earlier this year. The responses to this consultation are being studied with a view to finalising guidelines by mid-2014. The revised guidelines will apply to all wind farm developments in Ireland. It is important to note that any new wind farms that may be built will be subject to the Planning Acts, including the requirements for public consultation. Renewable energy policy in Ireland is developed on the basis of objective policy analysis, taking account of the views of all relevant stakeholders.