Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 337: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a target for energy consumption based on 20% renewable energy by 2010 is achievable; if additional Exchequer funding will be required to achieve such a target; if so, the amount of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19270/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Within the electricity market, a target has been established to increase the amount of electricity consumed from renewable energy sources to 13.2% by 2010. That is regarded as a challenging target to achieve. Currently we have 660 MW of renewable capacity connected to our system, and to reach the 2010 target we will have to more than double the present renewable capacity. The current industry build rate shows that the required level is achievable.

The question of what higher target can be set, and in what timeframe, is one that requires further analysis and technical input, largely but not exclusively regarding grid and associated economic issues.