Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 28 Mar 1990

Vol. 397 No. 6

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wave Power Station.

Austin Currie

Ceist:

20 Mr. Currie asked the Minister for Energy if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a prototype wave power station is to be installed at the Rinns of Islay, Scotland, which is expected to show that wave action can generate electricity as cheaply as hydro-electric power; if he will enter into discussions with the manager of the wave energy group at Queen's University, Belfast with a view to consideration of its suitability in this country; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Mr. Molloy

I have recently become aware of the existence of the wave power project for the Isle of Islay. Because of our limited financial resources it is my Department's policy to monitor closely developments abroad relating to new and renewable sources of energy. I would welcome the introduction in Ireland of appropriate proven technologies in the field of wave power provided this could be done on a commercial basis.

Mr. Currie

I thank the Minister for his reply. Is he aware that this little wave power station is particularly useful for island communities; that it is estimated that in relation to island communities energy could be provided at an initial cost of between 6p and 7p per kilowatt and that if it is developed beyond that this prototype would provide a test bed for components enabling the development of larger installations which would feed directly into the national grid? In that respect I would ask the Minister to pay particular attention to this experiment and to have consultations with the group in Belfast I mentioned.

Mr. Molloy

I am grateful to Deputy Currie for raising this matter. It is my intention to seek more detailed information about the project from the Department of Energy in the United Kingdom, which is a regular contact point for my Department. I appreciate the work being done at Queen's University in regard to this matter. The project still requires a lot of research before the conclusions are known. Should the claim made turn out to be valid, then I see no reason why the installation should not be introduced on some of our inhabited offshore islands or elsewhere on the coastline on a commercial basis. The matter cannot be considered until the conclusions of the project are known. I will take a personal interest in the matter and I thank the Deputy for bringing it to my notice. From what I have read I certainly think there are possibilities for us, provided some of the technical matters are ironed out.

Mr. Garland

In view of the very detrimental effects to our environment, particularly the greenhouse effect, caused by the burning of fossil fuels, will the Minister agree that more research should be carried out and every possible opportunity given in regard to the introduction of renewable energy? Will the Minister give some assurances to the House in relation to this matter?

Mr. Molloy

I assure the House that I hold the same views as Deputy Garland in this matter. I expect that within a short time some important decisions will be made in this area which will seek to increase the percentage of electricity being produced from renewable resources.