Trevor Sargent
Question:35 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the role the Government is prepared to play in fulfilling the goal of 75 megawatts from renewable resources.
Written Answers. - Alternative Energy Sources.
In accordance with its commitment to the greater utilisation of alternative energy sources, the Government took the decision to set a target of 75 megawatts for the generation of electricity from additional alternative energy sources before 1997. On foot of this decision, our Department, in consultation with the ESB, developed a competitive scheme comprising a combination of price support and grant assistance to ensure that such supplies are available within the specified period. Details of the scheme were announced on 12 April last.
While the ESB will undertake the day-to-day administration of the tendering process, I will determine the technologies and related capacities to be supported in the light of tenders received and the overall cost involved. I expect the competitive process to be completed and contracts signed by early 1995 and the Government has not ruled out the possibility of a further competition to ensure that the 75 MW target is met.