Written Answers. - Electricity Generation.
Brendan Howlin
Question:
20
Mr. Howlin
asked the
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources
if he will make a statement on the recently published consultation document on new policy proposals for foreshore leases and licences for offshore wind and wave electricity generation.
[8192/00]
Minister for the Marine and Natural Resources (Mr. Fahey): Offshore wind energy is an emerging but proven technology for generation of electricity from non-polluting renewable sources. Wave powered electricity generation is not yet a proven technology and a number of companies are carrying out pilot programmes to develop this technology to the stage where it will be commercially viable. However, some experts in the field expect that it will take to the end of the decade for wave powered generation to achieve the status that wind energy enjoys today.
Ireland has, in its offshore waters, theoretically, the wind capacity to supply our national electricity needs several times over. This resource is, however, reduced substantially by the limitations of current technology which require that wind turbines be situated on relatively shallow banks offshore. It is also restricted by the capability of the shore based transmission system to carry the electricity produced and by the fact that, in order to produce electricity, wind speeds have to be within specified minimum and maximum levels. For these reasons it is important to stress that wind powered electricity generation offshore, while complimentary to on shore generation, cannot replace it.
A number of companies have expressed interest in developing offshore wind farms for the generation of electricity for connection to the national grid. It is my policy to encourage the productive use of foreshore and obtain a commercial return for the State from use of State owned foreshore. In addition, the encouragement of the use of non-polluting renewable energy systems, both onshore and offshore, will be essential to our meeting our national obligations under the Kyoto Agreement.
The use of foreshore not adjoining land for capital intensive commercial purposes constitutes a new departure for my Department and it was considered necessary to devise a separate policy for application of the Foreshore Acts for such purposes. Arising from studies undertaken of the requirements for a wind farm a consultation document in respect of offshore generation was issued on 25 February. This addresses the approach to be taken by and the requirements of my Department in relation to applications for foreshore licences and leases for the purposes of commercial electricity generation on the foreshore. Financial terms which would apply to such developments are also covered as are my Department's expectations from the activities of licensees and lessees.
The consultation document was sent to those known to have interests in wind energy or electricity generation, to bodies with interests in the maritime environment and, on application, to the general public. Submissions on the document should be in my Department by 31 March and I expect to issue my policy document shortly afterwards.
As soon as policy has been agreed I will be in a position to consider the applications which are with my Department for foreshore licences for site investigation purposes and expect to be in a position to make decisions within a month or so of that date.
