Irish raise renewable energy target to 15% by 2010

0 Comments | Renewable Energy Today, Sept 22, 2006

The Irish government recently set a target to triple the amount of electricity it produces from renewable sources by 2010. At the same time, European wind power associations are calling on the European Commission to clarify its position with regard to renewable energy sources.

Noel Dempsey, the Irish minister for communications, marine and natural resources, hopes to boost the contribution of renewable energy from 5% to 15% by 2010.

More than 50 wind farms are currently connected to the Irish electricity network. In all there are 860 MWs of renewable capacity connected to the national grid, including biomass, hydro and wind-powered technologies.

Dempsey's new target will require growth in the sector to more than double to 1650 MW by 2010. The question remains, however, as to how renewable energy projects will be financed.

Recent actions by the European Commission may not help. The EC appears to be disregarding the European Parliament's decision to prioritize research in renewable energy and energy efficiency. The disagreement centers on the portion of the non-nuclear energy research budget spent on these areas.

(EIN STAFF: 9/21)