Written answers

Thursday, 16 September 2021

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Wind Energy Generation

Photo of Violet-Anne WynneViolet-Anne Wynne (Clare, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

8. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on windfarms; and if he will consider transitioning to off-shore windfarm developments from now on as is being implemented in Denmark. [44139/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Government commits Ireland to achieving at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030. To achieve this ambition, several renewable energy generation technologies will be required including onshore wind, solar and offshore wind. This multi-technology approach not only increases our renewable energy production capacity, but also enhances our energy security by diversifying our sources of renewable energy. The 2019 Climate Action Plan included indicative additional installed capacities of 1.5GW of solar, approximately 4GW of additional onshore wind and 3.5GW of offshore wind by 2030. The Programme for Government has since increased the offshore target to 5GW by 2030, and a long-term plan to take advantage of at least 30GW of floating wind thereafter.

All three technologies will be supported via competitive auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). Other renewable energy technologies are also eligible for support. The first RESS auction, RESS 1, was held last year and awarded supports to approximately 80 new onshore wind and solar projects. The second RESS auction, RESS 2, is planned to be held next year. My officials are working to finalise the auction design and my aim is to accelerate the current auction timetable and deliver a second onshore RESS auction.

My Department is also developing the first of a series of RESS auctions specific to offshore wind. The terms and conditions of this first auction, ORESS 1, will shortly be published for public consultation. At least two further offshore wind auctions are planned this decade to achieve our 2030 offshore targets.

 

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.