Policy and Context
Policy and Context
Ireland’s target under the 2009 EU renewable energy Directive (2009/28/EC) is for 16% of the country’s total energy consumption to be derived from renewable energy sources by 2020. The only other target that is explicitly referred to in the directive is a minimum 10% transport target.
In the 2007 Energy White Paper, the Irish Government, anticipating the European energy policy decision to increase the aggregate share of renewable energy across the EU to 20%, decided to set a 10% renewable transport target, a 12% renewable heat target and a 33% renewable electricity target. The electricity target was subsequently increased to 40% in the 2009 carbon budget. Based on predicted energy demand levels in 2020, it is estimated that these figures are adequate to ensure we meet the binding 16% target - as per the 2009 Directive.
EirGrid has a vital role to play in helping to deliver all government policy and targets in relation to renewable energy and is fully committed to playing its role in developing a sustainable energy future for Ireland.
Studies
Several studies have been carried out over the past number of years to investigate the levels of renewable generation that can be securely accommodated on the power system of Ireland and Northern Ireland. These studies have considered the requirements in terms of infrastructure and also the operational implications of managing a power system with large amounts of variable generation sources.
Facilitation of Renewables Study
Ensuring a Secure, Reliable and Efficient Power System in a Changing Environment