Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)
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Question 789: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of wind turbines contributing to the national grid; the number awaiting connection to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29392/09]

Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
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Question 798: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the number of wind connections to the grid; the percentage of electricity generated from wind; the amount which comes from onshore versus offshore wind; the number of applications awaiting grid connections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29606/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 789 and 798 together.

There are currently over 1,400 megawatts (MWs) of renewable powered electricity generating plants connected to the electricity grid of which in excess of 1,000 MWs is wind-powered plant, followed by hydropower with 240 MWs approximately, and various biomass projects constituting the remainder. There are an additional 1,400 MWs, approximately, of renewable powered project proposals, which have received connection offers. A further 3,900 MWs of renewable powered capacity are awaiting connection offers under the Gate 3 Decision recently published by the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Approximately 70%, of the 1400 MWs of generating capacity currently operating, is wind-powered capacity, including one 25 MW offshore project. Wind powered capacity also constitutes more than 90% of both the 1400 MWs of additional capacity which have connection offers but are not yet built and the 3900 MWs capacity which is in Gate 3 awaiting connection offers.

Renewable energy powered technologies contributed 12.2% of electricity consumed in 2008, compared to 4.4% in 2003. A detailed breakdown by technology for 2008 will be available later this year, when Sustainable Energy Ireland publishes the Annual Energy Statistics.