Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2013
143. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he intends to adjust the REFIT scheme for miscanthus growers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11875/13]
View answer144. Deputy Olivia Mitchell asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to put the REFIT scheme in place in time for the 2013 harvest, due shortly and without which the large personal investment by farmers would be lost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12006/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 143 and 144 together.
The REFIT scheme for biomass (REFIT3), which was opened in February 2012, is designed to incentivise the addition of 310 MW of renewable electricity capacity to the Irish electricity grid. The technologies being supported include anaerobic digestion and combined heat and power, which will also contribute to our renewable heat targets. It also contains incentives for co-firing of biomass in peat powered generation plants with a premium for the use of energy crops such as miscanthus and willow. The scheme operates by guaranteeing a minimum price for renewable electricity generated and sent to the grid over a 15 year period. The scheme does not set out a tariff price for biomass itself which is a contractual matter between biomass supplier and the electricity generator. The REFIT schemes are funded through the Public Service Obligation (PSO) levy which is paid for by all electricity consumers. I do not have any plans at this time to open any new REFIT schemes or to adjust the schemes currently in existence with respect to any particular feedstock.
