Vol. 482 No. 6
101 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the initiatives, if any, she has taken to support alternative energy sources; and if the commitments in an Action Programme for the Millennium in this regard will be included in her activity. [18546/97]
There are two competitions currently under way in relation to the development of alternative energy sources. The AER III competition aims to ensure an additional 100 megawatts of electricity generating capacity from renewable energy sources (wind, hydro, waste, biomass and wave). An independent agency, ETSU, appointed to conduct the competition on behalf of my Department is currently assessing proposals received and I expect to be in a position to announce the results early in 1998.
102 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the sectoral plans, if any, she has for energy reduction by industry; and the consultation, if any, she has had with the Department of Finance to introduce tax incentives to encourage alternative energy sources. [18547/97]
At present the major initiatives for energy reduction by industry are co-funded under the Energy Efficiency Measure of the Economic Infrastructure Operational Programme 1994-9. Since 1994, a number of schemes have been administered by the Irish Energy Centre.
From 1994 to 31 October 1997, IR£716,000 in grant aid has been sanctioned under the energy audit grant scheme. This has resulted in investment commitment of approximately IR£1.9 million in 388 energy audits.
The energy efficiency investment support scheme aims to promote investment in energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption. From 1994 to date, over IR£7 million in grant aid has been committed under this scheme. This represents a potential investment of IR£33 million in energy efficient technologies. I understand that energy savings of approximately IR£8 million per annum will accrue to industry following completion of these investments.
The annual self audit and statement of energy accounts scheme involves energy awareness promotion and technical advice and aims to:
—encourage companies to establish an energy management structure and to undertake energy audits;
—increase awareness of the importance of energy efficienty among employees and customers;
—realise energy savings; and
—reduce CO 2 emissions from Irish industry.
A total of 43 companies have joined this scheme since 1995. They have a combined annual energy spend of over IR£100 million. It is estimated that the combined annual energy savings of the members will amount to approximately IR£1.8 million to the end of 1997. A further 15 companies are expected to join the scheme before the end of 1997.
The future of the energy efficiency programme in the post-1999 period is currently being considered by my Department and the Energy Advisory Board.
