Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 16 May 2000

Vol. 519 No. 2

Written Answers. - Electricity Generation.

Dick Spring

Question:

63 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the Commission for Electricity Regulation has proposed a cap on green energy generation in its discussion paper on green issues; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13390/00]

Ivan Yates

Question:

79 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her attention has been drawn to the recent discussion paper published by the Commission for Electricity Regulation relating to the green energy sector (details supplied); her view on the proposals in the discussion paper; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13337/00]

Minister of State at the Department of Public Enterprise (Mr. Jacob)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 63 and 79 together.

I favour the promotion and development of renewable, sustainable and alternative forms of energy which can play a key role in meeting our commitments on greenhouse gas emissions under the Kyoto Protocol. The Commission for Electricity Regulation has published a discussion paper on green issues dealing with a number of matters and has invited comments for its consideration.

One of the questions raised by the commission in the paper is whether it is appropriate to set a level on the maximum total capacity of green generation that should be connected to the transmission system in Ireland. The commission has indicated that it would welcome proposals for suitable strategies for accommodating large levels of green generation on the system while ensuring the security and quality of supply to the levels required by customers.

My policy in relation to the generation of renewables is well established. Renewable energy technologies are promoted through a number of mechanisms. The main such mechanism is the alternative energy requirement. Already some 80 MW of electricity generated from renewable resources is in place and a number of renewable energy projects supported by the AER are expected to come on stream before the end of 2001.

In addition, I have set out in my Green Paper on Sustainable Energy an increased target of 500MWe of additional renewable energy based electricity generating plant to be procured in the period 2000-05. The new target will be met, in the main, by means of recurring competitions under the AER programme and direct sales to final customers as provided for in section 14(1)(c) of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999.

I have established a renewable energy strategy group to examine all obstacles to the deployment of renewable energy technologies. The group's initial report, which will concentrate on obstacles to the increased deployment of wind energy technologies, is due for completion in the middle of the year. Among the issues that the group will examine will be the capacity of the electricity network to accommodate electricity generated from wind energy. I remind Deputies that this discussion paper on green issues published by the commissioner is a consultation document only. My Department will be communicating its views to the commission in the context of the consultation process. I am sure that the commissioner will take account of any comments received during this process.