asked the Minister for Energy if, as part of its energy policy, the Government has considered the reconversion of power stations from oil to coal.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Power Stations Reconversion.
4.
I understand from the ESB that there are only two existing stations to which reconversion from oil to coal could apply — these are Marina A and Ringsend A. In view of the small size of these particular generating units, and the high costs involved, they are not regarded by the ESB as suitable for reconversion to coal.
I am sure the Minister will agree that decisions by ESB management have not been all that satisfactory recently. Is the Minister aware that these stations could be converted easily to the use of coal at a cost of between £5 million and £7 million? These stations were constructed in such a way as to be converted from coal to oil and back to coal. Has he had any study done on the feasibility of this, instead of completing Moneypoint? More than 280 people were employed at the Ringsend Station.
The information available to me is that in view of the small size of these generating units and their inefficiency in power generation, and their age, plus the cost of conversion, it would be completely implausible to use them in the fashion the Deputy suggests. A number of stations could be considered for conversion to coal firing in due course but the stations the Deputy has inquired about are not regarded as suitable for reconversion. In relation to Moneypoint, I am not aware of any comparative study having been done.
Can the Minister tell us whether Tarbert and Great Island are suitable for conversion to coal and, if so, at what approximate cost?
It is likely that Tarbert, Poolbeg and Great Island will be considered for conversion to coal firing in due course. I do not have figures available on the relative cost, but I can get them for the Deputy.
Have the ESB given the Minister any costings in relation to the conversion of Ringsend and Marina to coal? We could then compare that with the cost of completing Moneypoint.
I do not have the cost of the reconversion of the two stations in question.
The ESB gave the Minister figures and he accepted them.
I am sure I can get the costings for the Deputy.