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For Oral Answer on : 15/12/2022
Question Number(s): 139 Question Reference(s): 62790/22
Department: Environment, Climate and Communications
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
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QUESTION
[Ref No.: 62790/22]
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that he is supporting the production of renewable fuels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.
For ORAL answer on Thursday, 15th December, 2022.
(89 Received on 8th December, 2022.)
REPLY
In response to the climate crisis and the current energy crisis, we must look to accelerate the delivery of renewable electricity, and the delivery of alternative fuels like green hydrogen and biomethane.
As part of its decision on the Sectoral Emissions Ceilings, Government agreed to the introduction of an obligation on the heat sector to include renewable heat by 2024, and the production of up to 5.7Twh of indigenously produced biomethane by 2030. The introduction of this Renewable Heat Obligation by my Department will support and encourage the production of biomethane, and further increase the use of renewable heat.
A project working group to develop the National Biomethane Strategy will be established shortly under the auspices of the new Heat and Built Environment Task Force. This project working group will focus on, among other things, the types of supports that will be necessary to reach the target.
In July of this year, my Department launched a public consultation on a Hydrogen Strategy for Ireland. The consultation document set out key questions to be responded to, including a number of questions specifically on incentives and supports for the development and deployment of green hydrogen in Ireland.
A substantial number of responses to the consultation have been received and analysis is currently underway with a view to finalising the strategy as soon as possible.
