asked the Minister for Energy the work which is currently under way in his Department to assess and develop our water sources as a source of energy and to assess and develop wind and wave power as an energy source; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Energy Sources.
21.
My Department funded a survey of the hydro-electric potential of Ireland and copies of the report dated October, 1985 are available in the Dáil Library. Under the VALOREN programme, the ESB are proposing to develop a number of the most promising hydro sites. In addition, it is well known that the ESB are prepared to purchase privately produced hydro-electricity at economic prices from parties wishing to develop other sites.
Again, as part of the VALOREN programme, my Department have commissioned a survey to identify the most suitable sites for wind energy development and to make detailed assessments of the wind regimes at these sites. Results from this survey are expected at the end of next year.
My Department have funded a project to assess potential sites for wave power development along our western seaboard. I am at present awaiting a report on the results of this survey. Proven technology to utilise wave power on a commercial basis has not yet been developed.