Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 March 2015
33. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will provide an update on the 30% co-firing target of biomass at the three State-owned peat power generation stations, a target set to be achieved by this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10460/15]
View answerIn the 2007 Energy White Paper ‘Delivering A Sustainable Energy Future For Ireland’, a target was set of 30% co-firing of biomass at the three peat power generation stations. Under the Renewable Energy Feed in Tariff (REFIT) schemes, which are the primary means through which electricity from renewable sources is supported in Ireland, a tariff was introduced in 2012 to incentivise co-firing at these plants. It is, however, a commercial decision for the companies involved whether or not they apply to participate in a REFIT scheme.
I understand that Bord na Móna is already co-firing its plant at Edenderry with biomass now accounting for 25% of the fuel mix. I also understand that ESB has completed biomass co-firing trials at West Offaly and Lough Ree power plants and that some significant commercial issues, including uncertainty regarding the biomass supply chain, need to be addressed before biomass co-firing could be a realistic option at these two plants. The Draft Bioenergy Plan, published in October 2014 and due to be subjected to Strategic Environmental and Appropriate Assessments during 2015, referenced certain supply side measures which may be helpful in this regard.
