Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2004
279 Mr. McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on wind energy; the measures he has taken or proposes to take to give maximum support to the industry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26817/04]
View answerThe promotion of renewable energy, of which wind energy is the predominant technology, is a key Government priority. The Green Paper on Sustainable Energy 1999 established a target to add 500 mw of new renewable energy based electricity generating plant to the electricity network by 2005. This target has since increased to 718 MW. The wind resource is random and cannot increase or decrease the electricity generated in immediate response to consumer demand. While the current support target for wind powered projects does not raise serious technical issues for system stability, planning for future programmes at increased penetration levels of wind powered electricity generating plant raises significant technical issues which must be addressed to maintain system security for electricity consumers. The Commission for Energy Regulation which is independent in the discharge of its functions is examining issues of immediate relevance regarding the grid code for wind powered generators. In addition, in May of this year a renewable energy development group chaired by my Department was established. The group which includes CER participation will advise on future options on policies, targets, programmes and support measures to develop the increased use of renewable energy in the electricity market to 2010 and beyond.
A major portion of the group's current work is to resolve the challenges arising from future increased connection of intermittent wind powered generating capacity to the electricity network. The group's report which is due before the end of this year will form the basis of my future policy proposals to Government to further increase the penetration of renewable energy sources to electricity production.
