Ivor Callely (Dublin North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 406: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the progress of renewable energy projects issues under consideration by his Department with regard to renewable energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38969/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has a target to treble the contribution from renewable energy sources in electricity production from 5% approximately to 15% by 2010. The target approximates to 1650 megawatts of generating plant. There is currently 940MW of renewable powered electricity capacity connected. This consists of approximately 670MWs of wind-powered plant, 236MW of hydro powered plant with the balance (c. 34MWs) made up of different biomass technologies. The additional new capacity required to achieve the target will be delivered by projects already selected under the AER VI competition and the new Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) programme.

On 29th September I announced the first tranche of support under REFIT to over fifty new renewable powered electricity generating plants. The combined capacity of these projects is over 600 megawatts (MW), with wind-power accounting for most of the new support. REFIT allows project developers to negotiate long term fixed price contracts in the wholesale electricity market. On the back of these contracts investors will release the necessary capital. Developers are currently completing the financial and logistical preparation necessary in order to have their projects constructed and producing electricity. Full details of the REFIT programme and the successful applicants are available on my Departments website at www.dcmnr.ie.