Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Dec 1998

Vol. 498 No. 3

Written Answers - Electricity Generation.

Willie Penrose

Question:

52 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if she has satisfied herself that the ESB will not have to close any of its power generating plants in meeting its targets of limiting and reducing harmful emissions; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26897/98]

Minister for Public Enterprise (Mrs. O'Rourke)

Given the increase in demand for electricity, the immediate challenge for ESB is to achieve the highest level of availability in all its existing generating plants.

ESB reports on an annual basis to the Department of the Environment and Local Government and to the Environmental Protection Agency in relation to nitrous oxide and sulphur dioxide emissions from its power plants. ESB has met its commitments in the past and has plans in place to ensure compliance in the future. These plans include the additional use of gas, low sulphur oil and coal and the installation of low nitrous oxide burners at power stations in addition to those already installed.

The future of the peat plants operated by ESB was considered by the peat review group which reported in 1994. That report laid out a programme of phased closure for the older less efficient peat burning units together with a programme of refurbishment for other units as well as recommending the construction of a new 120 mv peat plant, to be located at Edenderry.

There are a number of other developing processes which will affect the future operating life of all ESB power stations. These processes include the forthcoming national emissions ceiling directive on sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions; the national strategy adopted to achieve compliance with carbon dioxide emission limits arising from the Kyoto agreement; the policy to be adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, in licensing existing plant; the mechanism for environmental cost recovery under the new industry structure; the age profile of the plant; the need to maintain economic performance/achieve best new entrant performance standards at all existing generating stations and the intensity of competition in a future open market.

In relation to carbon dioxide emissions, my Department and the Department of the Environment and Local Government jointly commissioned a report on the limitation and reduction of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions in Ireland' in the course of developing a national strategy to meet Ireland's target under the Kyoto protocol. The report was published in June and consultations with all interested parties were invited. A one day discussion forum on the development of a national greenhouse gas abatement strategy was held on 28 October and work on the preparation of a strategy for Government approval is now progressing.

In finalising a national strategy, the Government will seek to ensure that the burden of meeting Ireland's Kyoto commitments are shared equitably across all economic sectors, including transport, agriculture, industry and energy.