Thomas Pringle (Donegal, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

807. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on a report (details supplied) recently published which outlines a policy trajectory in which Ireland could achieve a 70% renewable electricity share by 2030, which includes offshore wind and solar; his further views on whether the wind energy guidelines are a potential barrier to the achievement of this goal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45619/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department has the lead role in developing Ireland’s first National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), covering the period 2021-2030. The NECP will include trajectories for renewable energy (including renewable electricity ambitions), energy efficiency, and national emissions, as well as the measures required to achieve these trajectories. The Plan will contain the policies and measures proposed to reach our 2030 energy and climate goals. The first draft is due for submission to the European Commission by 31 December 2018, with the final version due by 31 December 2019. Energy and Climate Change modelling work to look at energy and climate policy options out to 2030 will underpin the development of the draft NECP, in particular on identifying cost effective, yet realistic solutions that will contribute to realising our national greenhouse gas emissions, renewable energy and energy efficiency ambitions.

The high level design of the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) was approved by Government in July 2018 and it is expected that the first renewable electricity auctions will take place under RESS in 2019. The RESS has been designed to deliver Ireland’s contribution towards an EU-wide renewable energy target of 32% out to 2030, within a competitive auction-based, cost effective framework. The scheme will provide for a renewable electricity (RES-E) ambition of up to a maximum of 55% by 2030 subject to determining the cost effective level which will be set out in the NECP.

Technology diversity, including solar PV and offshore wind, will occur naturally as the scheme matures and certain intervention levers may be used within each auction round to promote certain policy objectives such as community participation, community ownership and diversifying the renewable energy mix.

In developing and expanding renewable energy support schemes, a careful balance must be struck between the subsidy to renewable generators and the additional costs to pay for these schemes that are transferred to electricity bill payers.

My officials are aware of the report referenced and the assumptions behind reaching a 70% RES-E share . It is particularly relevant to consider this report in the context of private sector funding of renewable energy. In addition to the RESS, my Department has been working closely with industry to encourage corporate contracting for renewable electricity, which is expected to play a critical role in delivering on  Ireland’s renewable electricity future and driving down consumer costs.

It is critical that the revisions to the Wind Energy Development Guidelines are adopted in advance of the first RESS auction taking place. The revised Guidelines, which are subject to Strategic Environmental Assessment, will provide greater clarity and certainty in relation to wind energy development and to strengthen public acceptance of further construction of onshore wind projects, protect local communities and address their genuine concerns particularly around noise, setback distances and shadow flicker. The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government has the lead on the Guidelines and I understand they aim to go to public consultation before the end of the year.