Written answers

Thursday, 8 December 2016

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Renewable Energy Generation Targets

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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233. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the assessment that has been carried out on the impact of EU fines as a result of missing binding renewable targets by 2020; the possible implications for the Exchequer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39185/16]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC provides a comprehensive framework for Member States to work towards achieving individual and EU renewable energy targets including mechanisms for countries to work together such as statistical transfers, which  allow Member States to meet their targets by purchasing credits from Member States that overachieve on their renewable targets.

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has calculated that 25.3% of electricity, 6.5% of heat and 5.7% of transport energy requirements were met from renewable sources at end 2015. The SEAI analysis also shows that 9.1% of Ireland’s overall energy requirements in 2015 were met from renewable sources and has estimated that this avoided over € 286 million of fossil fuel imports.

The Government has a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy and although good progress towards the target has been made to date, meeting the 16% target remains challenging. The SEAI has estimated that the cost to Ireland of meeting our overall renewable energy targets other than through domestic measures may be in the range of €100 million to €150 million for each percentage point Ireland falls short of the overall 16% renewable energy target.

While all options will be kept under review, the focus of my Department is on implementation of the range of actions set out on the White Paper that will enable our transition to a low-carbon economy.

 

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