Brian Stanley
Question:2 Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his strategy on electricity generation from wind and wave; and his views that the targets set will be achieved. [30320/11]
View answerWednesday, 19 October 2011
Questions (2)
Oral answers (10 contributions)
Under the renewable energy directive, 2009/28/EC, Ireland was set a binding national target by the European Union of 16% of all energy consumed to be from renewable sources by 2020. National targets of 40% electricity, 12% heating and cooling and 10% transport are commensurate with reaching our overall directive target. Currently, there is approximately 1,800 MW of renewable generation operational, of which just over 1,500 MW is from wind power, in addition to 240 MW from hydro-generation and 30 MW from biomass renewable generation. Operators of a further 1,000 MW of new renewable generation from the Gate 1 and Gate 2 group processing series have signed grid connection offers and are awaiting grid connection, mainly in the next year or two.
As part of the Gate 3 process, an additional 3,900 MW of offers issued to renewable generators. Even allowing for challenges that some developers face owing to increased planning restrictions in and around special areas of conservation, this amount of renewable generation is well in line with achieving Ireland's target.
Ocean technologies are still very much at the research and development phase and there are no wave energy devices operating on a commercial scale anywhere in the world. A number of Irish universities and the Marine Institute are pursuing research and other initiatives in the ocean energy sector and a quarter scale test site for devices has been established in Galway Bay. The intention is to eventually be able to test full scale grid connected pre-commercial wave energy prototypes. In order to achieve this goal, an ocean energy development unit in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has been pursuing a strategy of developing a site where this testing could take place.
Additional information not given on the floor of the House
EirGrid's GRID25 strategy sets out the high level plan for delivering an upgraded electricity transmission network to 2025. EirGrid is working to enhance the national network capacity between now and 2025 by reinforcing existing lines, deploying new grid technology and building new transmission lines.
The programme for Government states a future Gate 4, if required, will be plan-led, that is, future wind farms are to be built at locations where the wind regime is best and built in numbers or clusters to reduce the cost of connection to the grid. In the event that a Gate 4 process is contemplated in due course, my Department will engage with the Commission for Energy Regulation, EirGrid, ESB Networks and the industry on its design in the light, inter alia, of the programme for Government.
I tabled this question because some experts have queried whether these targets regarding renewable energy can be met by 2020. With the correct strategies in place, it will be possible to do this. It will form a central part of our energy policy and bring jobs and overall economic benefits. If we could harness even a small part of the estimated billions that can be realised from wave energy generation around the coasts, it could provide a massive injection for local economies, as well as meeting their energy requirements. However, how much of this is likely to be realised? The Minister mentioned planning. Does he agree that the hold-ups in planning and the delay in allowing projects at planning stage to commence are placing the targets in doubt? What steps——
I thank the Deputy. I call the Minister and will revert to the Deputy.
I will give the Deputy one last piece of information that is relevant to this question. It pertains to the proposed Atlantic marine energy test site at Belmullet, County Mayo, which is approaching a stage of development that could see it ready to enter the full consenting process within the next few months, subject to budgetary considerations in 2012 and future years. The test site includes two offshore test areas at water depths of 50 m and 100 m which would, in turn, be connected to a shore-based electricity substation.
I do not disagree with the Deputy regarding the contribution that might be made. However, some of these technologies are still very much at the research stage. I hope the Government will be able to continue to fund some of this research because Ireland is uniquely endowed in this sector.
In response to the Deputy's question on planning, yes there are and continue to be difficulties in the system, whereby projects that are essential for this and other purposes have slowed down. It is a constant challenge to balance the rights of individual citizens and the public interest. Trying to get the balance right is a difficult challenge.
I had a short space in which to speak the first time.
The Deputy did not really, but he should proceed.
Are specific steps being taken with regard to the planning process?
Another question pertains to NewERA. While it has not been specified, it is envisaged that NewERA will be involved in it.
Involved in what?
Involved in rolling out wave and wind energy projects. Does the Minister envisage a role for NewERA in this regard?
Overall, this sector has huge potential for job creation if the technology can be developed, as well as for the finances of the State, because it would reduce the amount of money leaving the State as we import most of our fuel requirements. Moreover, it also has huge potential in terms of the reduction of CO2 emissions as it is clean energy.
I agree with the Deputy that anything that reduces Ireland's dependence on the importation of fossil fuels is a positive development and there are certainly possibilities into the future in this regard. In addition, it undoubtedly would help to reduce Ireland's carbon emissions.
As for the role of NewERA in this regard, the main issue confronting the Government is the provision of adequate funding to continue the research under way. The NewERA proposition, in respect of whatever parallel stream of funding will be put in place, is to invest in additional job creation. I cannot honestly tell the Deputy that when this issue was being discussed, the question of ocean and wave energy generation was at the top of the pile. However, if progress is made in the use of the testbed, research and so on, it undoubtedly would be free to apply for funding from that source. However, the more immediate challenges relates to continuing the research work under way.