The Green Economy is here – Minister Eamon Ryan

“The Green Economy is developing in Ireland and will continue to with the help of this report”, said Energy Minister Eamon Ryan at the launch of the Green Economy report in Government Buildings.

With the Taoiseach and Tánaiste Minister Eamon Ryan outlined the programme of transformation that began when the Green Party entered Government in 2007 and spelled out the priorities of the coming years on the basis of the new report.

“Since entering Government, the semi state energy companies in Ireland have gone green with investment plans of over €30 billion over the next decade.

“Over 15,400 jobs have been announced in the green economy sector. If this was a single factory, we would all still be speaking of it.

“We have introduced a national insulation scheme which is reducing energy costs for over 30,000 homes insulated this year alone. These schemes are supporting thousands of workers throughout Ireland

“We are on track for reaching our renewable energy targets with new guaranteed support prices for offshore wind, ocean energy and biomass anaerobic digestion/Combined Heat and Power.

“We have changed the rules so that people can create their own power and sell it back to the national grid.

“We are ahead of the international curve with electric vehicles and smart meters.

“The East West interconnector is under construction, the Single Electricity Market with Northern Ireland has begun and every day we are increasing the amount of renewable energy on the Irish system, the energy efficiency gains of Irish housing and decreasing our dependence on imported fossil fuels.

“We are greening this economy, providing jobs, cutting costs and carbon at the same time. The semi-state sector, private industry and the people are all facing in one direction led by Government.

“Next year, I will prioritise the implementation of the Green IFSC, a new model of insulation, press ahead with electric vehicles and expand support for business to make the right choices.

This has and will be truly transformational. “

ENDS

1. Investment

Semi-state investment in energy

The following table demonstrates the already announced investment plans by the semi-state companies in sustainable energy generation / building of smart grids.

TOTAL                                                                  €30 billion

2. Jobs

15,400 jobs announced in the green energy area. Please see table at end for details.

3. New initiatives, changing the rules

Renewables

The Government target is 40% renewables by 2020, although Minister Ryan has consistently said this will not be the limit of our ambitions.

The Government target is based on the All-Island Grid study, which is the most advanced and comprehensive analysis of its kind in the world electricity sector. This Study, says that Ireland could feasibly have 42% of its electricity generated from renewables by 2020. The Study was the recipient of the Annual Achievement award from the American Wind Utility Integration Group in 2008 and is the central ‘due diligence’ basis of Government policy on renewables.

The Grid study was launched on the 10th January 2008 and is available at http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Latest+News/All-Island+Grid+Study+Published.htm

The Government introduced new and competitive support prices for offshore wind, ocean energy and biomass CHP, unlocking the potential of the private sector in these energy creation areas.

Insulation

Government policy: Major insulation programme including the Warmer Homes Scheme for those on low income and the Home Energy Saving Scheme

30,000 homes have been insulated this year. Over 34,000 homes have been approved for funding with the Home Energy Saving Scheme launched this year.

Programme for Government October 2009: “We will introduce new energy demand reduction targets for energy utilities, thus allowing the customer to “save as they pay” through energy efficient measures.”

The current Home Energy Saving Scheme is supporting over 5,600 contractors throughout the country.

Electric Vehicles

The Government announced its intention that 10% of Ireland’s transport fleet would be electric by 2020 i.e. 250,000 vehicles

The Programme for Government commits to 6,000 electric vehicles over the next 3 years. The Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nissan-Renault and ESB in order to bring the vehicles to the Irish market as soon as they are available. ESB has committed to providing the infrastructure for such a radical overhaul of our electricity system so that electric vehicles can be charged on the Irish system.

Smart Grid

Government policy: Investment of €4 billion by EirGrid to allow Ireland’s electricity infrastructure carry 60% more renewables than current levels. Announced October 2008: http://www.eirgrid.com/media/Grid%2025.pdf

Government policy: A Smart Electricity Network

Announced on 21 July 2009 “Technology Actions to Support the Smart Economy”

“Smart electricity networks

The Government plans to roll-out an electricity network that allows for a two-way flow of electricity. This will enable microgenerators, smart meters and a range of energy efficiency measures. The ESB has committed to developing an Electric Vehicle charging system to reach the Government’s electric vehicles targets.

Such a system requires communications technology linked with the electricity network.

Developing the smart electricity network will sustain the 3,700 jobs already announced by the ESB and more in anticipated indirect employment arising from electric vehicles, smart meters, microgeneration and the Government’s wider sustainable energy agenda.”

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/Making+the+smart+economy+real.htm

Government policy: Smart meters in every home over next 5 years

The Government’s Smart Electricity Meter plan which is well underway. Pilot of 6,000 meters taking place currently to prepare for national rollout http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/2008/Minister+Ryan+launches+the+National+Smart+Metering+Plan.htm

Government policy: Allow people to sell electricity back to the network

Minister Ryanchanged the rules to allow people sell electricity back to the national grid and then announced an incentive scheme in February 2009 to help people work under the new regime

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Press+Releases/People+power+Minister+Ryan+announces+incentives+for+micro-generation.htm

Government policy: Tax incentives for businesses who use energy efficient equipment (100% of capital cost can be claimed against corporation tax) to help companies make the smart choice and reduce their costs.

http://www.dcenr.gov.ie/Energy/Energy+Legislation/Legislation.htm