Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 6 May 2015
583. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to commission a study to investigate the potential for solar energy; when he anticipates that the infrastructure for this invaluable resource will be developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17866/15]
View answerAnalysis of the potential of microgeneration technologies such as small scale wind, solar (including photovoltaic) and small scale hydro has been carried out by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI's findings, along with responses to the recent consultation on the Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland, will inform future policy on the provision of any market support for microgeneration, and will be taken into consideration in preparation of the White Paper on Energy which will be finalised in September this year.
The SEAI has funded a number of solar projects through its Research, Demonstration and Development Programme. In addition, the ESB is focussed on the potential opportunities which solar photovoltaic presents and is also collaborating in research to understand the technological progress in this area and to evaluate further opportunities as the technology develops and costs reduce.
