Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 7 Apr 1992

Vol. 418 No. 4

Written Answers. - Alternative Motor Fuels Research.

Roger T. Garland

Ceist:

85 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Energy if he will outline the research which is being conducted into alternative forms of fuel for motor vehicles such as conversion of sugar cane to alcohol or the use of oil from rape seed; and if he will give details of the results, if any, of these researches; whether he considers either of these alternative forms a viable proposition; and if his attention has been drawn to any other countries in which these methods of creating fuel are used.

Minister for Energy (Mr. Molloy)

To the best of my knowledge, no research is being conducted in this country into the conversion of sugar cane into alcohol for use as an alternative fuel for motor vehicles. Sugar cane only grows in tropical climates. I understand that a feasibility study is currently underway in the University of Limerick into the use of rape seed oil as a diesel fuel substitute.

The use of biofuels raises many complex questions, not just for energy but also relating to agricultural, environmental and economic issues. These fuels are not currently considered to pose a feasible economic alternative to more conventional fuels, because of their relatively high production costs.

I am aware of biofuel programmes in other countries, such as the programme based on sugar cane in Brazil. My Department monitor international developments in this area, through Ireland's membership of the European Community and the International Energy Agency.