Jim O'Keeffe
Question:86 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the plans, if any, she has to facilitate small scale on-farm renewable energy projects in the near future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9135/00]
Written Answers. - Electricity Generation.
In September last, I published my Green Paper on Sustainable Energy. One of the objectives of the paper is to promote the increased use of alternative and renewable sources of energy for electricity generation and to do so in a way which maintains the competitiveness of the sector.
I have stated on a number of occasions my commitment to participation by local communities, including the farming sector, in renewable energy developments. However, I recognise that there are constraints to the widespread deployment of renewable energy technologies. In that context, I have established a renewable energy strategy group tasked to examine all aspects of, and obstacles to, the further deployment of renewable energy technologies.
Among the issues that the group will examine will be the factors which impede the development of small scale renewable energy projects and the prospects for net metering and billing, which, if feasible, would enhance the outlook for micro projects. The group commenced its study in November 1999 and has been asked to report back to me on the wind energy market within a period of six months.