Written answers
Monday, 9 September 2024
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Job Creation
Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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73.To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he can provide figures for direct and indirect jobs potential if Ireland's targets are met in solar energy, onshore wind, offshore wind, biogas production and afforestation; the type of jobs which he envisages could be created in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.[35605/24]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The transition to a low-carbon future is not only an imperative but also a major opportunity for Ireland. By embracing innovative technologies, investing in renewable energy sources, and fostering collaboration across sectors, Ireland can pave the way toward both an environmentally and economically sustainable future.
Ireland’s current targets regarding solar energy, onshore wind, offshore wind, biogas production and afforestation are provided in the Climate Action Plan 2024 and are summarised below along with the jobs potential relevant to each.
| National Target | 2025 | 2030 | Jobs Potential |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solar | Up to 5 GW (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.154) | 8 GW (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.154) | 3,250 approximately by 2030 (Skills for Zero Carbon Report 2021, p. 83) |
| Onshore Wind | 6 GW (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.154) | 9 GW (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.154) | 3,000 approximately by 2030 (Skills for Zero Carbon Report 2021, p. 83) |
| Offshore Wind | - | At Least 5 GW (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.154) | 19,500 by 2030 (2,800 jobs in an average year to 2030) Or 30,000 by 2030 - if the Government achieves its aims to address skill shortages and increase local content in Ireland, figure could rise to 4,200 jobs in an average year to 2030) (Powering Prosperity - Ireland’s Offshore Wind Industrial Strategy 2024, p.10 / Building Our Potential – Ireland’s Offshore Wind Skills and Talent Needs 2024, p.4) |
| Biogas / Biomethane | Abatement in Agriculture – Production of up to 1 TWh of Biomethane by 2025 (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.284) Built environment – up to 0.6 TWh of heating provided by biomethane (Climate Action Plan 2024, p. 200) | 5.7TWh used in heat sector, split between residential, commercial/public services and industry (Climate Action Plan 2024, p. 39 / p.219) (5.7TWh including: Built environment – up to 1.1 TWh of heating provided by biomethane (Climate Action Plan 2024, p. 200)) | The 5.7TWh target indicates the potential to generate up to 1,800 direct jobs and 4,400 indirect jobs across the rural economy in Ireland. (Ireland’s National Biomethane Strategy 2024, p.12) |
| Afforestation | Afforestation rates of 8,000 hectares per annum (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.319) | Afforestation rates of 8,000 hectares per annum (Climate Action Plan 2024, p.319) | N/A - Figure may be available from Department of Agriculture |
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