Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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374. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which alternative energy electricity generation capacity is available to the national grid; the proposed targets in this regard for the future; the extent to which this is in line with EU targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20407/13]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Ireland currently has 1,763 MW of installed wind generation, 238 MW of hydro power and 71 MW of smaller renewable sources (ocean energy, combined heat and power, solar and bio-energy). In 2012, this installed renewable generation capacity met 17.3% of overall electricity demand. As regards proposed targets for the future, under the Renewable Energy Directive, Ireland is legally required to increase renewable energy from 3.1% in 2005 to 16% in 2020, with a minimum legally binding target of 10% in the transport sector. Energy is consumed across the transport, heating and electricity sectors. The intention is to reach Ireland’s overall target through 40% renewable electricity, 10% renewable transport and 12% renewable heating, which together amount to 16% of all energy consumption.