Government considers options to reduce shortfall in renewable energy targets
The Government is yet to decide on whether to participate in the scheme, with further analysis to take place to consider its cost effectiveness. File picture
The Government is projected to miss its renewable energy targets out to 2030, while options to close the gap are being considered.
Ministers heard that while Ireland met its renewable energy targets for 2024 of 16%, the State is projected to miss its targets in both 2025 (27.6%) and 2027 (33.6%).
These targets are based on the amount of renewable energy within the country’s overall energy consumption across the electricity, heat, and transport sectors.
Options on the table to help make up the shortfall include an EU mechanism to contribute to the financing of renewable energy projects in other countries.
This, known as the EU renewable energy financing mechanism, would see Ireland fund a project abroad and then receive credit towards the Government’s targets.
This credit would be based on how much renewable energy is generated by the project that Ireland has sponsored.
The Government is yet to decide on whether to participate in the scheme, with further analysis to take place to consider its cost effectiveness.
“Following this, the Government would be further consulted before any non-binding expression of interest or binding commitment to participate in the mechanism is made,” a Government spokesperson said.
“Priority should be given to supporting domestic renewable generation, but further consideration should also be given to the full range of available compliance options to progress towards Ireland’s targets.”
They added that the Government’s priority would remain supporting the development of domestic renewable energy generation.
Meanwhile, defence minister Helen McEntee sought Cabinet approval to update laws to give the Defence Forces new powers, including permission to board vessels and reroute them.
This change will come by amending the Defence Act, with it also set to grant the Defence Forces the ability to inspect documents and equipment aboard ships.
A Government spokesperson said the change is coming to ensure the “Defence Forces have appropriate enforcement powers given the new and growing threats being observed in the seas around us”.
The changes to the Defence Act will not provide for arrests, prosecutions, or detention of ships, with the Government spokesperson saying this will require a “comprehensive examination” of all maritime security legislation.
- Taagh McNally is a Political Reporter.
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