Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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470. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the aspects of the ESRI 2011 review the effect of REFIT on Irish Wholesale Electricity Prices 2011 which have been taken on board in full or in part by his Department; the future plans in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3972/14]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The work of the ESRI in 2011 informed the design of REFIT 2, which was launched in 2012. REFIT 2 is designed to accommodate new renewable generation built from the start of 2010 to the end of 2017 and its aim is to ensure sufficient new renewable electricity is built to make a significant contribution to our legally binding EU renewable target for 2020. The maximum capacity that can be accepted into the scheme in the period to end 2017 is 4,000 MW.

To date onshore wind has been the largest driver of growth in renewable energy electricity, contributing most towards the achievement of the 2020 target. In 2012, 15.3% of Ireland's electricity demand was met by wind generation. At the end of 2013, 2,300 MW of renewable generation was connected to the grid. It is estimated that a total of between 3,500 and 4,000 MW of onshore renewable generation capacity will be required to allow Ireland to meet its 40% renewable electricity target. Currently, around 3,000 MW of renewable generation has taken up connection offers under the Gate 3 grid connection programme.