Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 486: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made on the commitment in the programme for Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 2 million tonnes per annum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21000/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Under the Programme for Government we are committed to the implementations in full of the National Bioenergy Action Plan for Ireland. The Plan sets a range of actions and targets to 2020 for the sustainable development of Ireland's bioenergy potential. The cumulative effect of these actions over the period has the potential to deliver reductions of greenhouse gas emissions by at least 2 million tonnes per annum by 2020.

In the electricity sector there is now over 1,100 Mega Watts of renewable generation capacity connected to the grid and over 9 per cent of electricity is being generated from renewable sources. Ireland is on course to exceed the 33% target for electricity from renewable energy by 2020.

The 2010 target of 5% renewable share in the heating sector will be met, primarily as a result of the Greener Homes Scheme and the commercial Renewable Heat Programme, and we have set a further target of 12% renewable share in the heating sector for 2020.

In relation to the sustainable deployment of biofuels in the transport sector, progressive delivery on the 8.75% target for 2010 is being supported through the biofuels excise relief scheme. Our biofuels target for 2010 and 2020 will be further underpinned by the introduction of the Biofuels Obligation which will be the subject of public consultation shortly and which will take full account of EU developments in relation to biofuel sustainability.