Written Answers. - Alternative Energy Projects.
David Stanton
Question:
173
Mr. Stanton
asked the
Minister for Public Enterprise
the progress towards the development of biofuels and bioenergy here; the restrictions which exist under EU or other regulations or agreements in this regard; and if she will make a statement on the matter.
[26229/00]
While the investigation of the use of biofuel and bioenergy technologies as renewable forms of energy has being ongoing over many years, it is widely acknowledged that further research and development is required before the technologies reach commercial availability in this country.
The Green Paper on Sustainable Energy, which was published by me in September 1999, calls for the investigation and testing of alternative fuels, new technologies and innovative systems. More recently, the national climate change strategy, published by my colleague, Minister for the Environment and Local Government, Deputy Dempsey, has restated the call for measures to limit the rate of increase in overall fuel consumption and the need to encourage a switch to alternative, cleaner and more CO2 efficient fuels.
For my part, I have secured funding of £146 million under the national development plan for energy related expenditure, including £40 million for energy research and development. The funding will be used to devise a strategy for this area which will consist of a mixture of the following approaches: a public good fully funded research programme in co-operation with universities and research institutions; a shared cost programme to be carried out with industry to exploit commercial opportunities; and international collaborative research.
It is envisaged that the development of alternative forms of energy such as biofuels and bioenergy will feature under one or more of the above approaches. In that context, the Irish Energy Centre, which is co-funded by my Department, is preparing a three year research and development work programme with the objective of achieving the most effective outcome at least cost. The programme will be funded as part of the economic and social infrastructure operational programme.
I do not believe that EU regulations will unduly impede the development of these energy sources. However, until the high production cost of these alternative forms of energy are reduced they will continue to have a limited impact on the overall energy market.
