Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 340: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will indicate the number of companies or individuals involved in the production of ethanol or bio-diesel; the number of such companies not included in the excise related incentive scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17013/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Biofuels Mineral Oil Tax Relief Schemes have resulted in 18 projects being awarded excise relief between 2005 and 2010. Of these projects, four are in the biodiesel category, five are in the pure plant oil category, four are in the bioethanol category and five are in the captive fleets category.

Since the excise relief schemes were introduced there has been a steady increase in biofuels used in Ireland, albeit from a very low base. Prior to the introduction of the schemes, market penetration of biofuels was almost non-existent. In 2007, penetration was 0.6% and in 2008 penetration had risen to 1.6%. While figures for 2009 are not yet available the penetration rate is expected to be in the region of 2.5%. While my Department is aware that there are other companies outside of the Scheme producing biofuel my Department does not have details of these companies.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 341: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which alternative energy now supplies the national electricity grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17015/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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There are currently approximately 1,540 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 1,264 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. In 2008, 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.