Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 65: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his policy in relation to each one of the targets on energy commitments (details supplied); the targets set for 2008; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10525/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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The National energy targets set in the Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government for 2010 are 15% of electricity, 5% of heat and 5% of transport fuels to be from renewable sources. The objective is to deliver progressively on these targets, and the targets for 2020, on an annual basis. The estimated figures for 2008 show that approximately 11% for electricity, 4% for heat and 1% of transport are now from renewable sources.

The EU agreed the new renewable energy Directive in December 2008 as part of the Climate Change and Renewable Energy Package.

The Directive sets an overall EU target of 20% of energy consumed in the energy markets (electricity + heat + transport) sourced from renewable energy by 2020. The EU renewable energy target set for Ireland of 16% for the electricity, heat and transport sectors by 2020 is consistent with the Government's own 2020 targets set in the Energy Policy Framework and the Programme for Government. The following table shows the national 2020 targets in each sector and how they will contribute to Ireland's 16% of energy EU target.

In the context of the Kyoto Protocol and the National Climate Change Strategy, as well as overall policy objectives, the Government has set a target of 20% energy efficiency by 2020, with a target of 33% for the public sector. The forthcoming National Energy Efficiency Action Plan will set out the achievements to date and the measures underway and to be undertaken to deliver on EU and national energy efficiency targets.

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has plans for extra provision of storage facilities similar to those at Turlough Hill, County Wicklow; his views on whether additional storage would permit far higher levels of generation from renewable sources; if he will commission a study that considers increased storage as a mechanism for facilitating greater generation from renewable sources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10504/09]

Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)
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Energy storage for electricity production has been developed in Ireland where it can make a useful contribution to balancing electricity supply and consumer demand. This is the case at the ESB's pumped water power station at Turlough Hill which has an installed electricity generating capacity of 292 megawatts.

The "All Island Grid Study" published early last year, examines the ability of the electricity systems on an All-Island basis to absorb power from renewable energy powered projects. Its finding shows that a target of 42% is feasible without any major increase in pumped storage. The Study is not prescriptive on the alternative technologies, including pumped storage, which a liberalised electricity market may bring forward to balance customer demand and supply as the renewable energy powered capacity increases. Several private developers are understood to be currently examining proposals which may lead to additional pumped storage projects being developed.

It is possible that new technology developments could enhance the viability of storage options in the future in the open market. Developments will be kept under close review by the Department in consultation with EirGrid and the energy sector.