Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 178: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his preferred options for non-fossil fuel generated electricity production in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24336/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 183: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if alternative energy targets previously set are expected to be achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24341/09]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 184: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has satisfied himself that national and European targets in relation to alternative energy are achievable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24343/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 178, 183 and 184 together.

The Government has set targets to increase the contribution from renewable energy sources to electricity consumed to 15% at least by 2010 and 40% at least by 2020. The 2010 target exceeds an EU target addressed to Ireland to increase the contribution from renewable sources to 13.2% of electricity consumed by 2010 and the 40% target is consistent with an EU target addressed to Ireland to increase the contribution from renewable sources to 16% of all energy consumed by 2020. The Government has also set a target to develop 500 MWs of ocean powered technologies. These technologies remain in the research phase. Target completion is dependent on the pace of development of this sector to deliver a commercially viable industry.

The current support programme for new renewable energy powered electricity generating plants, REFIT, accepts projects on a first come first served basis. The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) in its Gate 3 decision allocating connection offers for an additional 3900 MWs of capacity also adopted a first come first served policy to prioritise projects. There is therefore no declared preference for any proven technology over another.

There are now 1,400 megawatts (MWS) of renewable powered capacity approximately generating electricity. These plants contributed 12.2% of all electricity consumed in 2008. There are more than 1400 MWs of additional capacity accepted into the REFIT support programme. The REFIT projects have already secured planning permission and connection offers. Less than 300 MWs of this additional capacity will be sufficient to achieve and surpass the 2010 target. The excess above 300 MWs in REFIT and the additional 3900 MWs identified in the Gate 3 decision by the CER are capable of delivering and exceeding the 2020 target.