Written answers

Tuesday, 13 October 2009

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Electricity Generation

12:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 25: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the electricity generated through wind and other means; the extent to which alternative generation supplies the national grid; if the progress to date is sufficient to meet EU or global targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35531/09]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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There are currently approximately 1,400 megawatts (MWS) of renewable powered electricity generating plants accessing the electricity grid. Wind powered technology is the dominant renewable technology. There are almost 100 windfarms connected with a combined capacity of around 1,100 MWs, compared to hydro-power with 240 MWs connected and the balance made up of biomass, mainly landfill gas. Based on current technology trends, the dominance in the renewable sector of the wind-powered category is expected to continue out to 2020 at least. The amount of renewable-powered plant connected and accessing the electricity grid is increasing steadily from year to year. Last year 12.2% of all electricity consumed came from renewable resources compared to just 4.4% in 2003.

Under EU Directive 2001/77/EC, Ireland has a target of 13.2% for renewable electricity to be achieved by 2010. Ireland is on track to exceed this target and will meet the higher national target of 15% of electricity from renewable sources by 2010. Under the recently agreed Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC, Ireland's target is for 16% of all energy (to include electricity, heating and transport) to be from renewable sources by 2020. The Government's target of 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020 is commensurate with Ireland's EU target.

In December 2008, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) issued a decision which requires EirGrid and ESB Networks to provide connection offers for an additional 3,900 MWs of new renewable capacity to ensure the 2020 target can be achieved. This additional level of capacity, taken together with the capacity already built and the capacity that already has connection offers, is capable of meeting our 40% 2020 electricity target which EirGrid and the CER equate to an overall capacity of 5,800 MW of renewable capacity.

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