Bernard J. Durkan
Question:109 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if an adequate supply of power is available through the national grid to meet current and future demands; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9325/00]
Written Answers. - Electricity Generation.
The chairman of the ESB has categorically assured me that there is an adequate supply of electricity to meet current demands. Economic growth in recent years has been reflected in high levels of growth in demand for electricity by all sectors of the economy, averaging around 6% per annum in recent years.
In general, the current and foreseeable levels of growth in demand for electricity will require the provision of between 150MW and 200MW of additional capacity each year for the foreseeable future, by means of new plant or imports over the interconnector. On 24 March 2000 the Commission for Electricity Regulation published a report by the ESB on generation capacity requirements up to 2006. The ESB has recently commissioned the third unit, 160MW, of the plant at Poolbeg and the new 120MW peat fired plant at Edenderry will be coming on stream in December of this year. I understand that three independent power producers have secured planning permission, two of which have been confirmed on appeal.
A number of other independent power producers have indicated their intention to enter the Irish electricity market. The grid operators on each side of the Border are proceeding with plans to upgrade the existing North-South interconnector over the next 18 months from around 280MW currently to around 400MW.
The question of granting the necessary authorisations for the building of new plants and licences for the supply of electricity is a matter for the Commission for Electricity Regulation. In view of the high level of interest shown by respective entrants to the market, there is every reason for confidence that sufficient capacity will be built to meet the economy's growing needs.