Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the options for investors of offshore and onshore wind farm applications outside the gate three process; the position regarding the wind applications to the grid; the position regarding an update and overview of the gate three process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18717/09]

Jim O'Keeffe (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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Question 93: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position in relation to the development of energy from wind farms here; and the future plans in this regard. [18617/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 93 together.

Applications for grid connections are made to ESB Networks and/or EirGrid, in the first instance. Data on grid connections has been published by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) as part of its consultation process on grid connections and additional information is published from time to time by EirGrid.

There are currently in excess of 1,300 megawatts (MWs) of renewable electricity generating capacity connected to the electricity grid. The majority of these projects are within the wind-powered category. More that 1,000MW of that capacity is wind-powered plant with hydro-power contributing approximately 238MW. The remainder comprises biomass and biogas powered projects. Based on current technology trends, the dominance of the wind-powered category to date is expected to continue out to 2020 at least.

The Government targets are to increase the contribution from renewable energy sources to electricity consumed to 15% by 2010 and 40% at least by 2020.

Delivery of additional new projects to meet or surpass these targets are well advanced. Alongside the increase in renewable generation capacity in recent years the renewable electricity share of total electricity usage has increased year on year. The contribution from renewable resources has increased from 4.4% in 2003 to over 12% in 2008.

The 2008 contribution represents over 1,300 Megawatts of renewable powered plants connected to the grid. The CER and EirGrid have calculated that 5800 megawatts (MWs) of renewable capacity is required to achieve the 40% target in 2020. The latest figures from EirGrid and the CER show that there is a further 1,500 MW with signed connection agreements or in the final stages of agreeing one.

I am satisfied there is sufficient market confidence among developers and investors to deliver or surpass both the 2010 and 2020 targets.

The recent CER decision on the 'Gate 3' round provides for connection offers for 3,900 MW of additional renewable electricity capacity. The size of the gate 3 round was initially set at 3,000MW of capacity by the CER. This was increased to 3,900MW of capacity in line with the Government's renewable electricity 2020 target of 40%. The Gate 3 process was extensively consulted on by the CER. All industry stakeholders were afforded the opportunity of responding to the proposed connection process.

The projects in Gate 3 were selected on a "first come first served" criterion. The projects within the 3900 MW capacity in the Gate 3 process are currently being assessed as part of the connection process.

To ensure this process operates efficiently, the CER has established a Gate 3 Liaison Group involving all stakeholders, including the renewable industry associations, to ensure the connection offer process is completed as quickly and as effectively as possible. Once connection offers issue to applicants they will have a set time frame to accept the offer or else they will forfeit the connection offer. The Gate 3 process will be supplemented by further measures to support future autogeneration and ocean energy connections.

The decision by CER on Gate 3 is potentially capable of delivering the 40% national target for the contribution from renewable energy resources to electricity consumed by 2020. It is the case however that CER and EirGrid need to review and develop with my Department and the industry an appropriate and effective approach to accommodating further renewable energy developments including autogeneration projects by enterprise as well as offshore wind and ocean energy projects.