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What are the policy drivers for wind energy in Ireland?

The EU Renewable Energy Directive, 2009/28/EC sets the following targets from renewables by 2020 for Ireland;

  • 16% of final energy needs
  • 10% of transport energy

Member states are required to submit National Action Plans with measures to meet these targets by June 2010.   

The All Ireland Electricity Grid Study, published in 2008 examined the following;

  • A range of generation portfolios for Ireland
  • The ability of our power system to handle various amounts of electricity from renewable sources
  • Investment levels required, and
  • Climate change and security of supply benefits
The Energy White Paper, 2007 entitled “Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland” sets the following targets;
  • 15% of electricity by 2010
  • 40% of electricity by 2020
  • 5% of heat by 2010
  • 12% of heat by 2010
The National Climate Change Strategy, 2007 – 2012 aims to limit greenhouse gas emission to 13% above 1990 levels. Key points include;
  • A reduction of annual CO2 emissions by 1million tones by 2010
  • A review of rate and structure of energy taxes
  • Fuel switching from coal to renewable energy
The National Development Plan, 2007 - 2013 allocated a total investment of €8.5billion in energy. Investment areas include;
  • Key strategic energy infrastructure projects including the East/West and North/South interconnectors and ongoing investment in sustainable energy with a view to meeting the target of 15% of electricity production from renewable sources by 2010.
The Kyoto Protocol;
  • In Ireland, greenhouse gas emissions have been limited to a 13% increase over 1990 levels by the period 2008 – 2012.
Electricity Act 1999 sets out the following measures;
  • Full deregulation of the market for electricity generated by renewable sources
  • Priority dispatch of electricity generated from renewable sources
  • Establishment of the Commission of Energy Regulation

EC Directive, 2001/1771/EC

  • EU target of 22% of electricity from renewable energy by 2010
  • Ireland to generate a minimum of 13% electricity from renewable energy by 2010