Denis Naughten
Question:24. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to develop a national bioenergy strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24729/14]
View answerThursday, 12 June 2014
Questions (24, 25)
Denis Naughten
Question:25. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to review the REFIT 3 criteria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24728/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.
My Department is currently in the process of finalising a national bioenergy strategy. The strategy will set out the actions required to optimise the contribution that a sustainable biomass sector can make to the achievement of the 2020 renewable energy target for Ireland.
Analysis conducted has shown that additional measures in the heat sector represent the most cost effective means of meeting a number of different policy goals. It is intended, therefore, subject to Government approval, that the strategy will incorporate targeted and cost effective measures to stimulate demand for biomass-fuelled heat.
The strategy will also reiterate support for the significant policies already in place. The Biofuels Obligation Scheme will continue to be the primary means through which Ireland will meet its renewable transport target, and REFIT 3 will continue to support the generation of electricity and combined heat and power from biomass until 2030.
All support schemes which are designed to run for a significant length of time are kept under continual review to take account of the evolving nature of the wider energy sector and to ensure that the objectives of the scheme, and how it operates, remain aligned with policy objectives. In this regard, aspects of the terms and conditions of REFIT 3 as they relate to the support for combined heat and power are currently being reviewed to ensure the scheme's objectives can be achieved.
Question No. 26 answered with Question No. 21.