asked the Minister for Energy the examinations which have taken place in his Department on the latest technology for the burning of domestic refuse to generate electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter with reference to the prospects for using this technology in the ESB station in Portarlington.
Written Answers. - Electricity Generation.
548.
My Department have not carried out any examinations on the latest technology for the burning of domestic refuse to generate electricity. However, recent studies carried out in regard to refuse incineration plans for the purpose of supplying heat to district heating schemes have indicated that the rate of return on capital expenditure on the construction of such plant would not be economically advantageous.
In regard to the prospects of using this technology at the ESB generating station at Portarlington, I am informed by the ESB that the station is nearing the end of its design life. The boilers are unsuitable for combustion of refuse and the cost of the modifications necessary to adapt the station for refuse incineration would be of the same order as for construction of a purpose built incineration plant. Therefore it is not proposed to give any further consideration to the prospect of burning refuse at Portarlington generation station.