asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state whether any definite decisions have yet been taken as a result of tests carried out on wind-powered generation of electricity; and, if so, the nature of the decisions reached; and, further, if he will indicate the approximate cost of carrying out the tests referred to.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Electricity Generation.
I am informed by theE.S.B. that no decision has been reached in regard to wind-powered generation of electricity as their investigations in the matter have not been completed. These investigations are part of the normal activities of the board and expenditure thereon is not subject to my approval.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will state the nature and give particulars of the investigations made by the E.S.B. arising out of which it was decided that no survey of our coast should be carried out for the purpose of investigating the possibility of sea-powered generation of electricity.
I have been informed by the E.S.B. that they did not feel justified in incurring the expense of independent investigations into the possibilities of tidal-power generation of electricity. From the available data regarding the tidal ranges around the Irish coast and from a study of the detailed investigations already carried out in many countries, the board are satisfied that the capital cost of a tidal power project would be so high in relation to other means of generation as to render it uneconomic.