asked the Minister for Energy the new and renewable energy source projects on which money will be spent in 1985.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Energy Source Projects.
9.
The estimated expenditure on the new and renewable sources of energy for the current year is £146,000. The emphasis of our current programme is on the use of wind power and hydro power. The wind energy study programme is being assisted by funds provided under an EC Demonstration Grant. A hydro power resource study was carried out recently on behalf of my Department and it is intended to have the results of this made available. In addition, studies are being carried out in geothermal, biomass, solar and ocean energy to identify suitable areas for further development.
In addition my Department keep in touch, through attendance of researchers and specialists at conferences, seminars etc., with international developments in the field of new and renewable energy sources.
There seems to have been more success in northern parts of the country with biomass development than there is here. Can the Minister give any reason for that?
I am disappointed with the lack of success of our biomass programme. The project under the auspices of Bord na Móna in Clonsast in County Laois has been a failure more or less, due basically to lack of growth. I am considering re-locating the project in County Leitrim under the auspices of the National Board of Science and Technology. The reason seems to have been lack of growth of the hard wood species there. We are still in the experimental stage. We have not yet reached the commercial stage. I cannot express anything other than disappointment with the experience at this time.
What successes have there been with the alternative energy sources?
I should state quite clearly that we are at the experimental and demonstration stages. The Deputy is probably aware of the windmill in Inishere. At the moment a new diesel generator is being installed which will allow the windmill to interlink and supply power to the island. Not all of our windmills have been a success. We have had a number of technical problems. This area is in the experimental stage. As regards small hydro schemes, I am more encouraged. We have run a successful demonstration programme and we will be monitoring a number of these small hydro schemes. I hope the monitoring will be completed by the summer of 1986 and we can then assess the results.