Richard Bruton
Question:1 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Energy the plans he has to clean up Irish energy practices so that Ireland can make a contribution to dealing with the environment problems associated with fossil fuel use.
Ceisteanna — Questions Oral Answers. - Fossil Fuel Usage.
As Minister for Energy my major objective is to achieve a flexible and secure energy system at reasonable prices to sustain economic activity. This must remain my primary objective. However, the importance of the environmental dimension in energy policy in the long-term, can be the main constraint on energy use.
The Minister for the Environment has the principal responsibility for environmental policy which is stated in the document An Environment Action Programme published last January. Energy policy, now and for the future, will be in line with that policy, and will ensure that Ireland's natural environment, already of high quality, is fully protected and enhanced. The elements of the Environment Action Programme which relates to energy matters are air quality, sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions, nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx), climate change and environmental impact assessment.
Arising from the ban on the marketing, sale and distribution of bituminous coal from next September my Department will meet the major coal distributors in mid-June, to discuss with them their plans for supplying the Dublin market with smokeless solid fuel products next winter.
In relation to sulphur dioxide emissions, Ireland will accede to the Helsinki Protocol which requires a 30 per cent reduction in these emissions by 1993 using the 1980 level as a base. The sources of these emissions are from power generation and industrial sources. The ESB are taking steps, in consultation with my Department, to ensure these reduced levels will be achieved using the following approach: use of low sulphur coal at Moneypoint; continued use of natural gas if supplies allow; and installation, if necessary, of desulphurisation equipment. I understand from the Department of the Environment that the reduction of SO2 emissions from industrial sources is underway also.
In the context of the continued use of natural gas by the ESB, the proposed new gas interconnection, will contribute significantly to the environmental objectives of the environment action programme.
The ESB are also taking the necessary steps to achieve the NOx emission target of the Sofia Protocol which is stabilisation of emissions at 1987 levels by 1994.
Action in relation to climate change in the energy sector is being focussed on carbon dioxide — CO2 — emissions. Energy conservation and efficiency is the most effective short-term contribution which the developed world can make towards reducing these emissions. I announced recently details of an expanded energy conservation programme which will be undertaken this year and for which £500,000 has been allocated by the Government.
Environmental impact assessment regulations made by the Minister for the Environment last December apply to energy projects. From now on, therefore, due consideration and weight will be given to environmental issues as part of the decision-making process for energy developments.
Getting the fuel mix right from an environmental point of view will carry a price tag. The development of new innovative and environmentally friendly technology in the area of energy will require heavy up-front costs. We do not yet know the full cost of these objectives.
In this context the EC Commission have recently presented a paper on Energy and the Environment which seeks to establish broad common understanding and highlight broad objectives in the interface between energy and the environment. This was discussed at the Energy Council meeting last Monday and conclusions have been agreed which put down firm markers for future work.
I can assure the Deputy that my Department are participating in this as well as at other relevant international fora and are well placed to ensure that energy policy develops in accordance with good environmental practice for the future.
Would the Minister agree that the ESB have already achieved the sulphur dioxide emission reduction to which the Minister says we have subscribed under the Helsinki Protocol? Therefore, would he agree it does not constitute a commitment to improving the environment but rather just to holding it as it is. Furthermore, would he agree that, in regard to nitrogen oxides, we are committing ourselves only to holding things as they are — that at a time when, throughout Europe, countries are making an effort to cut such emissions. Would he further agree that we have made no effort to set a target for carbon dioxide emissions which, on present policy, will increase very substantially in ensuing years? Finally, would he agree that his policy of treating the environment solely as a constraint on policy and not as a key objective of energy policy will ensure that it will be relegated to a very low-ranking priority within his Department's activities?
I do not know why the Deputy should want to suggest that it would have a low priority. I have given a long list of measures taken and of those proposed to be taken. I have given the Deputy an indication of my concern and of the participation of my Department in international moves to achieve progress in this matter. Carbon dioxide is one area in which there is need for an international convention to which I am sure we would be anxious to subscribe. That has not yet been achieved in the international arena.
With regard to the actual levels of sulphur dioxide emissions I should say the contribution that gas has made to reducing such emissions has been significant. We have not yet reached the levels required of us under the agreements to which we have recently committed ourselves. But the Deputy can be assured that we will comply with them a soon as it is possible for us to do so. Indeed it will require a contribution not just from the ESB but from private industry also. The Deputy is correct in saying that the position has improved very substantially because of the high level of gas usage in industry and by the ESB.