Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats)
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190. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on the fact Ireland is only one of two EU member states that will miss the targets for emission reduction for 2020 with regard to the recently published national mitigation plan; the proposed alternatives that will replace the phasing out of coal and peat-fired electricity generation that are absent from the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14758/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I refer to the replies to Question Nos. 34, 41 and 71 on 21 March.

According to the latest projections produced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (March 2016), projected emissions for 2020 indicate that Ireland's emissions at that stage could be in the range of 6-11% below 2005 levels. The likely outcome is closer to 6%, representing a significant shortfall in terms of reaching the 20% reduction in 2020. This reflects both Ireland's reduced investment capacity over the period of the economic downturn, as well as the fact that the target itself was misinformed and not consistent with what was achievable on an EU wide cost-effective basis.

Notwithstanding this, a key objective of the first statutory National Mitigation Plan is to try and close the gap to Ireland's 2020 EU target. In this context, the Plan sets out the mitigating measures currently in place and also a range of mitigating measures under consideration. It is important to note that the first National Mitigation Plan represents an initial step to set us on a pathway to achieve the level of decarbonisation required by 2050. It does not provide a complete roadmap to achieve the 2050 objective, but rather is a work in progress reflecting the reality of where we are in our decarbonisation transition. When finalised, the Plan will become a living document, accessible on my Department's website, which is continually updated as on-going analysis, dialogue and technological innovation generate more and more cost-effective sectoral mitigation options. In addition, there will be the formal preparation of successive National Mitigation Plans at least once every five years as provided for in the 2015 Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act.

In the context of the development of renewable electricity generation, the White Paper on Energy Policy, "Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030" (December 2015), is a key policy driver in our low carbon transition and in the development of appropriate mitigating measures to achieve that transition.

The overarching objective of the Energy White Paper, published in December 2015, is to transition to a low carbon energy system which provides secure supplies of competitive and affordable energy to citizens and businesses. This will involve moving away from higher emissions fuel types to lower emissions fuels such as gas, or zero carbon renewable energy technologies. Public Service Obligation (PSO) support for Bord na Móna’s Edenderry peat-fired generation station expired in December 2015. PSO support for the ESB owned West Offaly and Lough Ree power stations will expire in 2019. The Edenderry power station is now in receipt of support for biomass co-firing via REFIT3 for up to 30% of the size of the plant. In addition, Bord na Móna has stated that it intends to cease harvesting peat for electricity generation by 2030. The company has committed to replace large-scale peat production with alternative energy sources. This will contribute to the decarbonisation of electricity generation and is in line with the Energy White Paper.

Moneypoint generation plant contributes to Ireland’s security of supply by diversifying the fuel mix, provides generation storage capacity and provides competitively priced electricity. However, while Moneypoint is an important element of our power generation mix, before it comes to the end of its operating life in its current configuration in 2025, the most suitable low-carbon generation technology will have to be identified as committed to in the Programme for a Partnership Government. Key decisions on the future of Moneypoint will be taken before 2020, and this is included as mitigating option under consideration (RE8) in the draft National Mitigation Plan.