Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will introduce a national wind energy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5937/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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In 2007, the EU agreed to pursue a policy of 20-20-20 by 2020 i.e. 20% reduction in greenhouse gases, 20% renewable energy in energy consumption and 20% energy efficiency. This was part of a climate and energy package, aimed at responding to the detrimental effects of climate change as well as improving energy sustainability and security. Following on from this, a series of Directives were negotiated, including a specific Renewable Energy Directive, which assigned individual legally binding targets to each Member State in order that the EU target for 20% renewable energy in consumption by 2020 could be attained. All member states in the EU agreed that in order to improve energy security of supply and to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, in addition to reducing greenhouse gases in energy production, it was necessary to make a significant shift towards renewable energy.

Under the Directive, Ireland is required to increase renewable energy from 3.1% in 2005 to 16% in 2020, with a minimum target of 10% in the transport sector. Energy is consumed across the transport, heating and electricity sectors. At end 2012, we had reached 6.4% of overall energy consumption from renewable sources. Our intention is to reach our overall target through 40% renewable electricity, 10% renewable transport and 12% renewable heat, which together amount to 16% of all energy consumption. Under the Directive, Ireland was required to set out in a National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) the trajectory towards meeting its legally binding target. The NREAP and the First Progress Report on the NREAP, which are available on my Department’s website, show the sectoral and technology breakdown that we anticipate in the achievement of our target. Wind generated electricity is expected to play a major role. At end 2012, approximately 17.3% of our electricity consumption was from renewable sources.