Ireland sets renewable energy target of 33% by 2020

The Irish ministry for communications, marine and natural resources has published a white paper, Delivering A Sustainable Energy Future For Ireland, including "ambitious and achievable targets". The ministry has set renewable energy targets of 15% by 2010 and 33% by 2020 with a strategic goal of accelerating the growth of renewable energy sources. Wind energy is expected to play a pivotal role.

Although the target was broadly welcomed by respondents, some felt it was not ambitious enough.

In light of the EU renewable energy targets, Ireland expects that 'boosting investment, in particular in energy efficiency and renewable energy can create jobs, promote innovation and a knowledge-based economy.' The white paper also stressed the importance of renewable energy growth supporting regional and rural development and the endorsement of developing greater community involvement.

The ministry expects that at least EUR 276m will be invested in the sustainable energy sector over the period 2007-2013 of the National Development Plan and an additional EUR 670m in terms of support mechanisms.

With particular reference to wind energy, the respondents felt that as supply was not very reliable back-up generation was essential. A lot of emphasis was given to bio-energy and ocean energy with specific concern for resources and commercialisation of technology respectively.

An initial ambition of at least 500MW of installed ocean energy capacity by 2020 underpinned by national and international work to accelerate technology advances and solutions to infrastructural and economic issues was also favoured. The paper mirrored the EU biofuels target of 5.75% by 2010 and 10% by 2020. A target of at least 400MW from combined heat and power by 2010 and 800MW by 2020 through continued support under the CHP Deployment Programme and R & D supports with particular emphasis on biomass fuelled CHP was recommended.

The paper suggested the introduction of fiscal measures including carbon taxation and other taxation to incentivise low-emission transport as well as the further development of emissions trading as well as the introduction of Renewable Energy Tariff (REFIT) scheme and better grid access. The paper also suggested that the Planning and Development Regulations introduce planning exemptions at residential levels.

Noel Dempsey said, "With regard to the sustainability agenda we have set ambitious and achievable targets for renewable energy in the electricity, transport and heating sectors. As a result by 2020 one third of electricity consumed in this economy will come from renewable sources."

 

By: New Energy Finance

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