Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 290: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if he will take the necessary steps to develop the alternative energy sector to the extent required to ensure adequate and continuity of supply, maximum use of renewable and sustainable resources, the development of natural resources such as natural gas, oil or other mineral deposits, on or off-shore, reducing dependency on imported fuels and the need for compliance with the Kyoto principles having particular regard for this country's current and future economic needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21039/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Government is fully committed to major development of renewable energy sources as well as to increasing energy efficiency and managing energy demand in order to reduce fossil fuel dependence, enhance environmental sustainability and limit carbon emissions.

We currently have a target to increase the amount of electricity from renewable energy sources to 13.2% by 2010. This target approximates to 1450 Megawatts of installed generating capacity. At present we have approximately 850 MW of renewable capacity connected to the grid and given that we have a further 3700 MW in the grid application process, we will exceed this target.

A further targeted package of excise relief for biofuels valued at €205m was announced in the Budget and will be rolled out from this year to 2010, enabling us to reach the initial target of 2% market penetration by biofuels by 2008. The scheme is calculated to achieve CO2 savings of 257,000 tonnes by 2010 and represents 52% of the annual CO2 reductions to be achieved through vehicle and fuel tax measures identified in the National Climate Change Strategy. We are also providing funding of up to €65m over a 5 year period for renewable energy schemes that includes grants for a range of renewable heat, electricity and transport initiatives.

Further challenging targets for renewable energy will be proposed in the forthcoming Energy Green Paper which will also take full account of the sustainable energy agenda as a shared ambition for the island as a whole. We are working closely with Northern colleagues in delivering joint approaches to renewable energy.

It is the Government's policy to actively encourage exploration for oil, gas and other minerals, through appropriate licensing and fiscal terms for the exploration and development of oil, gas and minerals both offshore and onshore.