New renewable energy scheme to reduce dependency on oil

Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources Noel Dempsey today launched an initiative aiming to treble the output of renewable electricity to 15% of total electricity consumed in Ireland by 2010.

This, it is claimed, will reduce Ireland’s dependency on imported fossil fuels by more than four million barrels of oil every year for more than 15 years.

The project will also create 350 long-term jobs in renewable energy, together with 1,600 full time construction jobs during the three year building phase.

The allocation of support to 55 new renewable powered electricity generating plants under the Renewable Energy Feed In Tariff (REFIT) programme will generate more than 600 megawatts (MW), with wind-power accounting for 98% of all the new support.

This additional capacity will bring the available electricity production capacity harnessing renewable energy resources up from 860MW to 1,469MW - capable of generating power for one million homes, and preventing the emission of more than two million tonnes of polluting greenhouse gases annually.

“If we are to meet our Kyoto obligations and reduce our dependence on fuel imports we must maximise the contribution made by green electricity,” said Mr Dempsey.

“This new programme is a major step towards delivering Ireland’s commitments and reducing our dependence on volatile imported fossil fuel prices.

“I have set an ambitious target to treble the contribution from renewable energy sources from 5% of electricity produced in 2004 to an annual production target of 15% by 2010.

“The projects I have announced today will bring us closer to the target to treble the contribution of renewable energy sourced electricity from 5% in 2004 to 15% by 2010 - a significant growth rate by any comparison.”