asked the Minister for Energy the cost of producing a therm of energy or a unit of electricity from the following sources: (i) hydro-electricity; (ii) oil-generated; (iii) coal-generated; (iv) turf-generated; and (v) wind-generated.
Written Answers. - Energy Production Cost.
25.
Variables such as exchange rates, interest rates and international fuel prices affect unit costs to such a significant extent that it is not possible to give definitive figures which would hold true on a permanent basis.
As of now the fuel cost per unit at the differnt stations is as follows:
|
Hydro electricity |
0 |
|
Oil generated |
1.95 pence |
|
Coal generated |
1.16 pence |
|
Turf generated: |
|
|
—Milled |
3.50 pence |
|
—Sod |
3.80 pence |
|
—Handwon |
4.30 pence |
The ESB does not generate electricity from wind power. However, my Department has maintained records of costs in relation to five wind turbines which were part of an EC/Department of Energy Demonstration Project during the period 1984 to 1987. The average cost of producing a unit of electricity in these cases was 139 pence. It should be emphasised, however, that these were for experimental projects.