asked the Minister for Energy the EC grants and ESB support available for hydropower; and the savings on imported fuels each year if hydropower were further developed.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EC Grants of Hydropower.
8.
At present the only grants available for the development of hydropower are from the EC's energy demonstration scheme. This demonstration scheme provides for grants of up to 40 per cent towards the cost of energy projects including hydro projects, demonstrating a new energy technique, process or product or a novel application of a known technology. Applications for grants are invited on an annual basis. The final date for submitting applications for grant assistance under the 1986 scheme was 29 April last.
In a report of a survey of Ireland's hydro resources commissioned by my Department, the potential installed capacity of the hydro sites listed amount to 38 MW — megawatts — with an estimated annual output of 193,500 MWh — megawatt hours. Therefore, if all of these sites were developed and operated, the annual potential for savings on imported fuel oil could be up to 50,000 tonnes. The development of any of these sites would, of course, be a matter of individual initiative.
Has any consideration been given to the fact that in Northern Ireland hydropower turbines have been able to get markets in places as far away as California? Have the Department considered giving grants to have turbines manufactured here for sale on those markets?
As I said, we will give up to 40 per cent towards the cost of energy projects, including hydro projects, demonstrating any new energy technique, process or product or a novel application of a known technology. If the Deputy has any particular applicant or example in mind, perhaps he would let me know because I would like to give every assistance. Obviously we are interested in encouraging the development of new techniques or energy products in relation to hydro projects where there is export potential.
Is the Minister aware that many suitable users are discouraged because they are not getting adequate grant assistance from the IDA for the development of hydro power and that they are worried about the Government's commitment because of over-capacity of the electricity stations?
I would not claim to speak for the IDA. I am not aware of what the Deputy has just said because nothing has been brought to my attention but, if the Deputy has specific grievances or knows of individuals or companies with grievances, I would appreciate it if he brought them to my attention. My officials, my Minister of State, who is taking a great interest in this area, and myself will be as helpful as possible where there is any potential for developing hydro projects. Despite the electricity capacity which we have the potential to produce, we are still interested in looking at hydro projects for long term trends and as an alternative source of energy.
This is the last question.
I thank the Minister for his remarks that assistance was available in his Department and that he would encourage any new energy projects. Is he aware of the McCabe system which has been developed in Ireland with the assistance of the NBST? It was submitted to his Department but drew a definite no on every occasion. That is in stark contrast to the statement the Minister has just made. In this case the United States Naval Academy came to their assistance. This system has vast potential world wide, yet the Department do not want to know. I would be glad to submit the details to the Minister and hear what he has to say.
The Deputy anticipated my next remark.