Environment, Climate and Communications | Addressing alternative energy production targets

To ask the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which he expects to rely on onshore and offshore wind-generated electricity over the next ten years; the extent to which he expects to meet overall targets in respect of alternative energy production throughout the period in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – Bernard J. Durkan.

For WRITTEN answer on Thursday, 15th December, 2022.

(678  Received on 12th December, 2022.)

REPLY

Ireland’s most recent renewable energy projections are reported in the 2019 National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), available here: https://assets.gov.ie/94442/f3e50986-9fde-4d34-aa35-319af3bfac0c.pdf, which was prepared before the adoption of the current Programme for Government.

Table 7 of the NECP details the planned trajectory of all renewable energy technologies, including onshore and offshore wind, in terms of installed capacity and in terms of energy generated in each of the years from 2018 to 2030. Table 5 of the NECP outlines the overall renewable energy projections for the same period.

It should be noted that the NECP trajectories are based on the previous targets of at least 70% renewable electricity and 3.5GW of offshore wind. These targets have since been increased to 80% electricity from renewable sources, and 5GW of offshore wind (with a further 2GW earmarked for green hydrogen production). The NECP will be revised in 2023 and the updated version will reflect our increased ambition.

The actions we are taking now will set us on the path to at least an 80% renewable electricity target and increased electrification of our end-use sectors by 2030, and ultimately towards our national climate objective of net-zero by 2050.