Written answers

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Energy Resources

9:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 56: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the steps he is taking to address gate access to the national grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15716/11]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) decision on the 'Gate 3' round provides for connection offers for 4,000 MWs of renewable electricity capacity. Approximately 90% of these offers are wind powered capacity including around 800 MW of offshore wind. The Gate 3 decisions, combined with the existing renewable capacity and projects currently being built and connected, point to the 40% target being met and even exceeded by 2020.

Ireland's National Renewable Energy Action Plan, which was submitted to the EU Commission in June 2010, sets out the detailed projections and strategies to achieve the national target. The plan was developed in consultation with the renewable sector and all stakeholders.

EirGrid published its GRID25 strategy, which outlines how they intend to deliver an upgraded electricity infrastructure network to 2025. It shows how EirGrid intends to increase network capacity between now and 2025 by reinforcing existing lines, deploying new grid management technology and building new transmission lines.

The projects in Gate 3 were selected by the CER on a "first come first served" criterion. Grid connection offers for projects within the Gate 3 process began to issue in December last year. They will continue to be issued on a phased basis until mid 2011. The Gate 3 process was extensively consulted on by the CER. Through public consultation and dedicated industry workshops, all industry stakeholders were given the opportunity of responding in advance to the proposed connection process.

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