The Irish Government has published its first draft energy plan that sets a target to hit “at least” 55% renewable electricity by 2030.
Energy minister Richard Bruton said the National Energy and Climate Plan will back a diversified energy system that is “likely” to include offshore wind, solar and biomass in addition to onshore wind.
Coal and peat will be removed from the generation mix, which will result in emissions halving from the sector.
“The analysis in the draft plan demonstrates that policies in place to date will not fully deliver on our emissions commitments, even taking into account flexibilities which have been granted to Ireland which will not be cost free,” said Bruton.
“The draft NECP highlights once again the urgency of the work we are doing in developing our all of government plan to make Ireland a leader in responding to climate change.
“We need to act now, across all sectors of society to step up our response.”
Dublin will submit a final plan to Brussels for approval in 2019.