Renewable Energy Generation Issues

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 December 2013

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

Questions (319)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

319. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the actions he has taken to undertake the economic analysis of the agricultural biomass-generated biogas supply chain in order to support the co-ordinated development of the sector and to make recommendations on the use of biogas in Government buildings or in Government vehicles; and if a steering group on the biogas sector development has been planned for the foreseeable future. [53061/13]

Written answers

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Academic and industry research suggest that there is a potentially significant role for biogas in meeting our renewable energy requirements as well as contributing to wider Government policy in agriculture, waste management and air and water quality. However, the technologies underpinning the sector are at a relatively early stage of development with the result that there is uncertainty surrounding the cost structure and the supports required to support the sector's development. Therefore, further detailed economic analysis of the biogas sector and its supply chains, from its production from different forms of biomass through to its distribution and use, will be required before any additional supports for biogas and biomethane appropriate to Ireland can be considered. This analysis will be carried forward, taking account of the cross-sectoral benefits that a biogas sector could deliver, in the context of implementing the forthcoming Bioenergy Strategy.