asked the Minister for Industry and Energy the progress made to date in the various research studies that have been instituted into the fields of renewable energy resources in relation to (a) wind-power, (b) wave-power, (c) solar energy and (d) bio-mass.
Ceisteanna—Questions Oral Answers - Energy Resources.
12.
More than 50 research studies are being conducted under the four headings mentioned by the Deputy. Details of the studies under way are contained in the annual publication by the National Board for Science and Technology entitled "Energy Research, Development and Demonstration Projects Inventory", published in June 1982.
The research and the development associated with new and unconventional sources of energy can take several years before detailed results are available and most of the Irish projects are still at the preliminary stage. It is important to appreciate that, however promising alternative energy sources may be for the future, considerably more time and experience will be required to develop commercially viable equipment. Of the areas mentioned by the Deputy, I feel that windpower and biomass are likely to be of most relevance in Irish conditions. It is in these areas that the larger part of our research moneys are being expended. In the areas of wave power and solar energy, we are keeping abreast of technology and contributing to international studies under the aegis of the International Energy Agency and the EEC.
I am somewhat surprised to learn of the relative importance that the Minister of State attaches to these sources of energy. Is he not aware that, under the guidance of University College, Cork, a major solar energy project is now being brought to fruition, whereby a dairy farm will be operated entirely from solar energy? Is he aware of this project and has it got his full support?
Of course I am aware of the project mentioned by the Leader of the Opposition. As I stated in my reply, it would take considerable time and experience to develop commercially viable equipment. Obviously, the emphasis is on commercially viable equipment. I further stated that wind power and biomass are likely to be of most relevance to Irish conditions.
I asked the question because I challenge that statement by the Minister and I ask him seriously to reconsider that relative judgment because there are——
We are entering into a debate now.
These are interesting matters, a Cheann Comhairle, and we must try to tease them out a little. I do not think we are having an unduly protracted debate on this subject. I want the Minister to seriously re-examine the statement in which he is slightly dismissive of solar energy. In the view of quite a number of experts, solar energy offers very considerable prospects and, as I said, a very successful project is now under way on Fota Island under the auspices of University College, Cork.
I am aware of the project mentioned but I am concise in referring to two aspects of my reply. One is commercial viability which is important as opposed to experiments, although experiments are welcome and have the support of my Department. The other is relevance to Irish conditions and, in that context, I referred to wind power and biomass as being the two most likely areas suitable for Irish conditions.
We are engaged now in exchanging opinions and that is not what Question Time is about; it is for the giving of information. A final supplementary from Deputy Leonard, please.
Mr. Leonard
Would the Minister agree that it is disappointing to hear that research is still going on? Even a couple of months ago, boilers designed to burn biomass briquettes were demonstrated by the IIRS. We are now told that research has to be developed much further although tests have been going on for a number of years in my own constituency.
My Department welcome all research in the area of energy resources. I have merely referred to two matters of importance, the need for commercial viability and what is most relevant to Irish conditions. I fully accept what the Deputy has said with regard to developments in his own constituency but I must emphasise that they are still at the research stage.
Can the Minister indicate the amount of money that has been made available for the research referred to?
That seems to be another question but this is a specific question dealing with the stage that research has reached.