1. POLICY
Renewable Energy Policies – EUROPEAN UNION
The European Commission's White Paper for a Community strategy and action plan for renewable energy sources,
published in November 1997, sets out a strategy to double the share of renewable energies in gross domestic energy consumption in the European Union by 2010 (from 6% to 12%). This was followed in September, 2001 with the publication of the EC Directive on the promotion of electricity from renewable energy sources in the internal electricity market[1]. The Directive requires Member States to increase, by 2010, the contribution of renewables based electricity consumption in line with the thresholds outlined in the Annex to the document. The target for Ireland is 13.2%.
Renewable Energy Policies – IRELAND
In Ireland, no renewable technology is as yet competitive with conventional fossil fuel technology and in consequence market support is required because these technologies operate from a higher cost base than conventional (fossil fuel) technologies.
Ireland launched its programme to promote electricity from renewable energy sources in 1996 in "Renewable Energy - A Strategy for the Future". The policy introduced the Alternative Energy Requirement (AER) Programme.Policy on renewables was further reviewed in 1999 with the publication of a “Green Paper on Sustainable Energy”. The Green Paper contained a number of decisions including:
- a decision to support the building of up to 500 Megawatts (MW) of renewable energy based electricity plant to be connected to the electricity network by 2005 and
- a decision to explore other renewable energy technologies not supported at that time e.g., offshore wind.
The bulk of the 500MW target will be derived from wind energy sources and will be implemented in the main through the offer of contracts under the AER Programme.
A further review of the renewable energy sector was launched in December 2003 with the publication of the consultation document “Options for Future Renewable Energy Policy, Targets and Programmes”.The purpose of the review is to set new targets for renewables for the period 2005 to 2010 and beyond to 2020. The target to 2010 will, at a minimum, be in line with the 13.2% electricity consumption target referred to above.
In May 2004 a Renewable Energy Development Group, chaired by this Department, was established. The Group comprises relevant experts from the administrative and scientific sector. This Group will advise on future options on policies, targets, programmes and support measures to develop the increased use of renewable energy in the electricity market to 2010 and beyond. The Group will take into account the submissions received in response to the consultation process referred to above.
2. RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS -
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Technical details relating to renewable energy technologies and a comprehensive listing of companies/suppliers operating in the Irish Renewable Energy sector is available directly from Sustainable Energy Ireland's Renewable Energy Information Office.
Web address: www.sei.ie/reio.htm
Helpdesk ( + 353 (0)23 42193
The Renewable Energy Information Office (REIO) provides an independent information and advice service relating to renewable energy developments. Information packs on wind energy, solar power, hydropower, heat pumps, biomass and landfill gas are also available free of charge.
REIO also provides a bookshop service where renewable energy publications etc. can be purchased/ordered on-line. Check out the current list of publications Here
Where renewable energy projects are planned for the marine environment the Department acts as both landlords agent and regulator. Procedures and guidelines are outlined in the booklet Offshore Electricity Generating Stations Notes for Intending Developers.
Further information may be obtained from Mr Tom Burke, Coastal Zone Management Division of the Department (Tel + 353 1 6782131).
3. PLANNING PERMISSION FOR RENEWABLE
ENERGY PROJECTS
The Department of Communications Marine and Natural Resources has no direct function in regard to the planning aspects of renewable energy developments. The grant of planning permission for these projects is a matter for the relevant Local Authority in the first instance.
An Bord Pleanála is responsible for the determination of appeals against Local Authority decisions under the Planning and Development Acts, 2000 to 2002, and with appeals under the Building Control Act, 1990, the Local Government (Water Pollution) Acts, 1977 and 1990 and the Air Pollution Act, 1987.
Under continuity arrangements under the 2000 Planning Act, the Board continues to deal with appeals and other cases under the Local Government (Planning and Development) Acts 1963 to 1999 where such cases were initiated under those Acts.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG) published Draft Planning Guidelines for Windfarm Developments in August 2004 for public consultation. The guidelines are expected to be published in 2005.
END
[1] DIRECTIVE 2001/77/EC, published in the EC Official Journal on 27th October, 2001