Written Answers. - Wind Generating Projects.
Eric J. Byrne
Question:
45
Mr. Byrne
asked the
Minister for Energy
the progress which has been made by his Department with regard to researching the energy potential of wind power; if any structures have been established to ensure liaison between his Department and the ESB in this matter; if he will list the locations on which pilot projects for wind generating have been established; the public funds which have been used for these projects; the results, if any, which are available from these pilot projections; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
As part of the Valoren programme, my Department commissioned a survey in 1989 to identify the most suitable sites for wind energy development and to make detailed assessments of the wind regimes at those sites. The results of this survey published in early 1990 showed that Ireland has one of the best wind resources in Europe.
Other than this survey, my Department have not undertaken any research in the area of wind energy in recent years. However, during the period 1980-87 my Department undertook a pilot, demonstration programme in co-operation with other bodies and the EC to investigate the potential contribution wind energy could make to Irish energy needs. The pilot projects carried out under this programme took place at the following locations Innis Oirr, County Galway; Ballyferriter, County Kerry; Sligo Regional Technical College; Ballinamore, County Leitrim; Fermoy, County Cork; Creagh, County Mayo; Kinsealy, County Dublin; Malin Head, County Donegal.
In addition to this programme, my Department contributed towards the cost of an EC energy demonstration project undertaken by a private German company on Cape Clear Island.
Total expenditure by my Department on wind energy during this period was in the region of £600,000.
While it is fair to say that the overall results of this programme did not live up to initial expectations, it did establish a base for further progress. The programme took place at a very early stage in the development of wind power technology when technical reliability was still evolving. The results therefore could not be used as a guideline for the future potential development of wind power in Ireland.
A specific consultative committee or other such arrangement has not been established to deal with wind power questions of mutual interest to my Department and ESB. Establishment of a windfarm in Bellacorick, County Mayo is the main wind power development in prospect at present and there have been frequent discussions between my Department and ESB on this project.
