Monica Barnes
Question:62 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Energy whether he has reviewed the capacity for combined heat and power in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Energy Capacity.
Michael Ferris
Question:77 Mr. Ferris asked the Minister for Energy if he will publish an up-to-date report on the advantages and disadvantages of co-generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 62 and 77 together.
In reply to a previous question from Deputy Barnes on 28 April 1988, the then Minister for Energy indicated that the most recent estimate of the potential for combined heat and power was 100-150 megawatts of electricity. There is no reason this indicative range of potential for combined heat and power should be reassessed at present.
The successful application of combined heat and power depends very much on the particular electricity and heat requirements at each site and it is a matter for potential investors to satisfy themselves as to the viability of investing in such systems.
However, experience to date of various CHP schemes has been, on the whole, disappointing. My Department have endeavoured in the past to encourage various energy saving techniques, including CHP. Direct support was provided for two projects. Unfortunately neither proved to be successful.