Written Answers. - Renewable Energy Programme.
Liam Hyland
Question:
413
Mr. Hyland
asked the
Minister for Transport, Energy and Communications
the current position on the development of Ireland's renewable energy programme; the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that his Department submits proposals for Altener II which is geared towards the implementation of the research findings of Altner 1 in which Ireland participated; and if he will make a statement on the findings of his Department's participation in the programme and in particular the more positive aspects on which a new proposal can be formulated.
[8318/97]
As the Deputy is aware, considerable progress has been made in the renewable energy area under my stewardship.
In March 1995, I announced the results of the first Alternative Energy Requirement scheme (AER 1). This competition was designed by my Department, in conjunction with ESB, to secure an additional 75MW of electricity generation capacity from alternative energy sources. In total the AERI initiative yielded contract offers for 111MW of capacity broken down as follows:
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Wind
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10 projects, (73MW)
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Hydro
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10 projects (4MW)
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Landfill Gas and Waste
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6 projects (12 MW)
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Combined Heat and Power
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8 projects, (22 MW)
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In December 1995, I launched the competitive tendering scheme (AER II) to secure an electricity generating plant of up to 30 megawatts using biomass or waste as a fuel. Following independent assessment of the tenders for this competition, I announced on 27 February 1997, that the winner is a consortium of Foster Wheeler Power Systems Inc., based in New Jersey, USA and ESB Power Generation. They will build, own and operate a 30MW waste-to-energy electricity generating station at Goddamendy, Ballycoolin, Co. Dublin.
In April 1996, I launched a long-term strategy for renewable energy entitled Renewable Energy — A Strategy for the Future. Under the strategy I have set targets for the development of renewables in Ireland up to the year 2010.
My strategy sets a target of an additional 100MW from renewables by the end of 1999. This consists of 90MW from wind energy, 3MW from Hydro and 7MW from biomass/waste. I have also allowed for the construction of Ireland's first wave energy to electricity pilot plant. This additional capacity of 100MW will be secured by means of a competition, known as AER III, which I launched yesterday. Subject to EU approval, European Regional Development Fund grant aid of 9.3 MECU (approximately IR£6.9 million) will be available under the Economic Infrastructure Operational Programme to support projects up to the end of 1999.
The process of appointing an independent agency to conduct the competition to secure these targets is now under way.
My strategy also set targets for the period 2000 to 2010 consisting of an annual target of 30MW for wind energy and 1MW for hydro. I have yet to decide on targets for biomass/waste.
The EU Thermie programme provides financial support for energy demonstration projects, including renewables. In recognition of the positive impact of this on renewable energy development in Ireland, I have included a special Thermie support initiative in my renewable energy strategy which guarantees electricity market access for successful renewable energy Thermie projects.
Altener has contributed significantly to the raising of the profile of renewables right across the EU. Since its inception in 1993, Ireland has been particularly successful in participating in the programme. To date, total funding of 1.9 MECU has been secured by a number of institutions ranging from Government Departments, semi-State bodies, third level institutions to the private sector. While most of the studies and projects are still under way, those that have been completed have provided valuable information in the areas of, for example, biofuels, biomass and training and education in solar and bioclimatic design. The reports of these studies have been disseminated across the member states.
Ireland is represented on the four member team appointed by the Commission to evaluate Altener I and is thus actively involved in recommending a strategy for Altener II. The commission is currently working on a proposal based on the team's recommendation of a three pronged approach namely: (i) standards development and harmonisation; (ii) information and marketing; and (iii) special projects on such topics as the de-regulated electricity market, heating systems and CHP, interaction between Altener II and national fiscal and other measures, socio-economic studies and transport.
Unlike Altener I, the proposal is also expected to provide a fund for capital investment in technologies which have been technically proven but which have not penetrated the market for economic or other reasons. I am confident that Irish interests will participate actively in Altener II when it is announced by the Commission.
