Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 March 2013
146. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources when he expects to see the creation of the energy efficiency fund as referred to in the Action Plan for Jobs; the way he proposes to implement the operation of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12013/13]
View answerThe Energy Efficiency Fund (the Fund) will be established with the aim of providing finance to energy efficiency initiatives in the public and private sectors. The aim is to attract matching funding from the private sector, such that the overall amount available for investment is greater than €70 million. NewEra has been asked by Government to coordinate establishment of the Fund and ensure it is appropriately managed. It has been meeting with sector participants and parties with experience in making and managing investments in the energy efficiency sector.
The Fund will be supported by the creation of a National Energy Performance Contracting Policy Framework (the Framework), which will standardise energy performance contracting in Ireland and provide a robust process for establishing the investment-ready projects. Work on the Framework is well advanced with a public/private group established late last year. The first version of the Framework will be published in early April this year.
I anticipate that NewEra will shortly conclude the process of stakeholder engagement and move to formalise interest in the Fund’s establishment. The investors will determine the Fund’s structure and operational priorities. I anticipate that the Fund will be established later this year. Parties interested in the Fund are encouraged to contact NewEra, while the SEAI are the contact point for the Framework. Further information on both the Fund and the Framework is available on the Department’s website.
