Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 58: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans for enhancing the development of the alternative energy sectors with particular reference to the need to meet internationally accepted targets towards the reduction of fossil fuels and less reliance on the use of carbon credits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23143/07]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 190: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his preferred options for the development of the alternative energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23291/07]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 190 together.

The Programme for Government commits to a range of measures included in the White Paper on Energy, which provides a comprehensive roadmap for the development of the energy sector. Alternative energy development is critical to addressing the key challenges of climate change, competitiveness and security of energy supply. The White Paper on Energy Policy supports the targets and strategic approach in the Bio Energy Action Plan with the objective of delivering a fully integrated approach to the sustainable use of bioenergy resources.

The Government has committed to ambitious but achievable targets and a range of policies and programmes to meet those goals are already firmly established. A series of renewable energy support programmes valued at over €400m have already been introduced and are designed to be accessible to all energy users, from householders, to community and voluntary groups, the commercial and industrial sector and renewable electricity producers. They will be backed up by support for investment in research and development into renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency initiatives.

We have increased the EU target for renewable energy sourced electricity from 13.2% to a national target of 15%, which will be delivered through the REFIT programme, and further increased the target to 33% of gross electricity consumption from renewable energy sources by 2020.

In Biofuels for transport, we have committed to a target of 5.75% by 2010, in keeping with the EU Biofuels Directive and to a further target of 10% by 2020 in line with current EU proposals. These targets will be delivered through a Biofuels Obligation which will be introduced in 2009. In the heat sector, targets of 5% and 12% market penetration by 2010 and 2020 respectively are being delivered through the successful Greener Homes, ReHeat and CHP grants programmes, as well as measures to encourage the growing and processing of energy crops. These targets have been established in advance of any EU targets or legislation in this area.

Renewable energy and energy efficiency are key priorities in the twin goal of reducing carbon emissions and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.