Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 10 November 2015
568. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the extent to which research continues into the development of the alternative energy sector, including wind, wave, and solar energy, with particular reference to the need to develop a comprehensive and reliable energy grid not dependent on any one product; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39586/15]
View answerThe increasing use of renewable generation technologies on the electricity power system presents a range of operational challenges - challenges that can only be overcome through effective and ongoing research and innovation. A number of research initiatives are underway to facilitate the use of different types of renewable technologies on the system and are worth noting. First, a Smart Grid Working Group comprising representation from my Department, EirGrid, the ESB, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) and the development agencies has drawn up a Smart Grid Roadmap setting out how a smart grid can contribute to increasing the amount of renewable energy on the electricity system, improving our security of energy supply and meeting Ireland’s emissions reductions targets.
Second, a number of major studies have been carried out by EirGrid in recent years to investigate the levels of renewable generation that can be securely accommodated on the power system of Ireland and Northern Ireland. These studies have considered the implications for both transmission infrastructure, and grid operation, of managing a power system with large amounts of variable renewable generation sources.
On foot of this work, EirGrid has developed a range of secure operational tools and system management policies to manage the power system with increasing amounts of variable renewable generation. These operational tools and polices are subject to on-going review and development to ensure security of supply is always maintained.
Furthermore, EirGrid continues through its Grid 25 strategy and its "DS3" programme (Delivering a Secure, Sustainable Electricity System) to develop and operate the electricity network to meet the challenges of the deployment of increasing levels of renewable generation in order to maintain high quality, secure and competitive power supplies in line with best international practice, for the benefit of all electricity consumers.
Separately, analysis of the potential of microgeneration technologies 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, will inform future policy on the provision of any market support for microgeneration, and will be taken into consideration in preparation of the Energy Policy White Paper which will be published before the end of this year.
Finally, as regards ocean energy, Exchequer support is provided by my Department for ocean research, development and demonstration and my Department’s multi-annual ocean energy development budget supports the development of test sites and of marine research activities at the Integrated Maritime Energy Resource Cluster in Cork. My Department’s budget also supports the Prototype Development Fund operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland which supports and grant aids ocean wave energy companies, helping projects progress up the technology readiness level development path.
