Written answers

Tuesday, 21 February 2006

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Energy Policy

9:00 pm

Photo of Paul Connaughton  SnrPaul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 123: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the extent to which he proposes to emulate the energy targets recently set in Sweden; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6615/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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By international standards, Sweden and its economy has a small dependence on oil and has recently announced its intention to eliminate this dependency completely by 2020. In this context, it is important to compare like with like. For instance, in Sweden the fuel mix for electricity production is about 45% nuclear and 47% hydro which is in stark contrast to our situation where we have very limited natural resources and have decided against developing nuclear power.

In so far as oil dependence is concerned, Sweden has an indigenous car manufacturing base and consequently has the opportunity to influence the development of alternative fuel vehicles. I will publish an energy policy consultation paper in the coming months which will set out medium and long-term perspectives for national energy policy, including targets for increasing renewable energy and for increasing energy efficiency.

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 125: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the overall target for renewable energy supply for 2020 and 2050; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6730/06]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The current target for the increased use of renewable energy technologies in the electricity market is to more than double the current contribution from approximately 5% of total consumption to 13% by 2010.

Targets beyond 2010 will be determined in the context of the development of an all-island electricity market. A joint North-South public consultation process on an all-island vision for renewable energy by 2020 and beyond has been undertaken. Work is ongoing to develop the process taking into account views of industry stakeholders. The aim is to develop a long term strategy for renewable energy on the island as a whole.

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