James Leonard
Question:7 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications if EU funding will be made available to grant aid biomass production, short rotation forestry. [11831/95]
Written Answers. - National Energy Policy.
James Leonard
Question:12 Mr. Leonard asked the Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications the proposals, if any, he has to draw up a waste and energy policy in view of the problem with farm and industrial waste; and the progress, if any, that has been made in other European countries in this field. [14510/95]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 7 and 12 together.
National energy policy includes among its objectives the development of indigenous energy resources and the diversification of sources of energy supply, taking into account cost and environmental considerations. Certain forms of waste such as forestry, agricultural, municipal or industrial wastes, can be used as an energy source. In addition there is potential for agricultural or forestry produce to be purposely grown for energy purposes. In appropriate circumstances the use of such fuels can contribute positively to our energy policy objectives and my Department's role is to assess their potential from an energy point of view.
In 1994, my Department and the ESB launched the alternative energy requirement scheme which was designed to secure 75 megawatts of new capacity from alternative energy sources. Included within that target was an indicative sub-target of 15 megawatts for biomass, waste and other sources. The results of the scheme, which I announced earlier this year, were that 34 alternative energy projects, totalling 111 megawatts, were offered power purchase agreements by the ESB power procurer. Of that total, six projects, amounting to 12 megawatts are in the biomass/waste category, but all of them involve waste.
While no biomass projects were included in the projects to be supported, I am confident that biomass can make a significant contribution in the future. For this reason, as the Deputy may be aware, I have announced plans for a competitive scheme to secure one electricity generating plant of up to 30 megawatts using biomass or waste as a fuel. It is proposed, subject to EU approval, to provide grant assistance of up to £7.5 million to the project under the Economic Infrastructure Operational Programme.
The detailed arrangements for the scheme, including arrangements for allocation of the grant and the criteria for evaluation of project applications, are being finalised by the ESB power procurer in consultation with my Department. I will be launching the scheme in the coming weeks.
Separate funding is also available under specific EU Programmes such as Joule and Thermie. Details of the Thermie call for proposals were published by the Commission on 15 September 1995 and will be promoted at a conference to be held by the Irish Energy Centre on 27 October 1995.
In addition, I have initiated a review of strategy in relation to the further development of our alternative energy resources including biomass and waste. The experience of other European countries in this field is being addressed as part of this review. I hope to be in a position to make an announcement on the matter in the new year.