Liam Twomey (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 46: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to streamline the process for renewable energy projects, that is, solar, wind and sea to connect to the grid, in order to reach our target of 10% for renewable electricity sources by 2020 as in the programme for Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15713/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Ireland generated an estimated 13.4% of electricity from renewable sources in 2010. This compares with 4.4% in 2003.

The Gate 3 programme which is overseen by the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) was designed specifically to support delivery of Ireland's national renewable target of 40% of electricity supplied from renewable sources by 2020. EirGrid is responsible for the issuing of connection offers to developers under Gate 3. The programme represents the largest connection offer ever undertaken on the island of Ireland.

In order to ensure that Gate 3 offers are rolled out to projects in the most efficient and cost effective manner, the CER required the System Operators (EirGrid for the transmission system and ESB Networks for the distribution system) to develop a detailed project plan for the issuance of connection offers.

A project plan is in place which involves the roll-out of connection offers over an 18-month period running up to the end of this year. Gate 3 offers have been issuing according to schedule. From April 2011, 2,519 MW of offers in Gate 3 were issued by EirGrid and ESB Networks.

There is acknowledged scope for streamlining, and making more cohesive, all the permitting processes inherent in developing renewable energy projects. This was noted in Ireland's National Renewable Energy Action Plan submitted to the EU Commission last year. These include planning permissions, environmental authorisations as well as grid connections. The EU Commission itself has recognised that streamlining of permitting processes is required generally across Europe if renewable energy targets are to be met.

Having regard also to EU developments, my Department is working with the Commission for Energy Regulation, EirGrid and the renewable energy sector, as well as all other key stakeholders, to progress the scope for a more streamlined approach for both onshore and offshore renewable energy development in future.