asked the Minister for Economic Planning and Development if any studies are being carried out at EEC, OECD or FAO level on the production by agriculture of renewable energy sources, if these studies have relevance to Ireland and if so, in what respect.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Renewable Energy Sources.
18.
Studies on the production by agriculture of renewable energy sources are being carried out in various international organisations including in particular the EEC, and the OECD through its subsidiary body, the International Energy Agency.
These studies have in turn led to specific research and development projects and indeed to actual demonstration projects. In the European Community the Council of Ministers is shortly expected to confirm their approval in principle of December last for Community support for demonstration projects in the field of energy-saving and the exploitation of new energy sources. These include projects in the area of biomass conversion, the biomass in this context being derived from short rotation forestry.
In connection with our own studies, following the 1973 energy crisis, on the identification of alternative energy sources of greatest relevance to the Irish situation, we have pursued a deliberate policy of interaction with international co-operative research studies and programmes. This involves, in the area of renewable energy sources, participation by Irish researchers in:
biomass production projects of the EEC Indirect Action Programme;
the carrying out of an inter-institutional pilot scale Forestry Biomass Energy Demonstration Project which will be funded as to 40 per cent by EEC funds under the Community programme mentioned above and
two co-operative agreements under the International Energy Agency on a programme of Research Development and Demonstration on Forestry Energy.
Other energy-relevant uses of agricultural waste are currently proposed to be studied under the proposed European Community programme on secondary raw materials and also the demonstration projects programme in the field of energy-saving.
The particular studies and research and demonstration projects I have mentioned above are those which have thus far been selected as being of greatest relevance to Irish requirements and capabilities. We will of course continue to monitor the activities of the various international bodies concerned with a view to assessing the potential for further beneficial participation by Irish organisations.
Can the Minister say where the demonstration project for which we will receive 40 per cent EEC aid will take place?
This is the forestry one. It is based on a co-operative programme involving a number of State agencies, with the National Board for Science and Technology acting as the co-ordinating vehicle. The first phase, which is to be funded over the next two years, will cost approximately £1,250,000 and will be concentrated primarily on the south west counties.
Where will the trees be grown?
As I have mentioned, primarily there is one site——
In the normal forestry plantations?
Inishvickillane?
No, it is not Inishvickillane, although it is true that some will be grown in Kerry. If the Deputy wants a detailed breakdown, I will certainly have the material supplied.
I will be glad to have that. Are there any forms of vegetable life other than trees suitable for use as renewable energy sources which may be grown in an Irish climate and, if so, could the Minister say what?
The projects chosen so far are the ones which are felt to hold out the most appropriate opportunities for Irish participation but, as I have indicated, there is a continuing review of information in this field. If any other promising lines of inquiry were to open up, certainly it would be our desire to participate in these. To the best of my knowledge no further new fields have been selected as yet.
If experiments are being carried out in an Irish climate in relation to other possible forms of vegetable life which could be used——
I am calling Question No. 19.