asked the Minister for Energy if he has received any preliminary results from the research which is being supported by his Department into the use of windpower to generate electricity.
Written Answers. - Windpower Electricity Generation.
329.
The windpower programme being supported by my Department, which is a programme of potential demonstration rather than research, is now at an advanced planning stage. An alternative energy committee which I have established has selected specific proposals for windpower projects and will select further proposals. Wind machines will be installed at a number of widely-distributed sites by autumn and their performance will be carefully monitored. Operational features and problems, if any, will be investigated. The ESB has responded most constructively to my initiatives, and will be erecting a number of small to medium-sized wind generators to provide electricity for the grid at several locations.
The production of electricity by all these machines will be measured and documented. The results of the assessment of the performance of these machines will then be made available. The work done by my Department and the ESB is being complemented by work being done in co-operation with the Meteorological Service, An Foras Talúntais, An Foras Forbartha, The Industrial Development Authority and Irish industry.