Vol. 509 No. 5
94 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise if her Department has received pro posals to produce electricity from biogas generated from sewage; the proposals, if any, in this regard at the new Ringsend plant; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20922/99]
My Department has not received any proposals to produce electricity from biogas generated from sewage. The authorisation of electricity generating plants is the responsibility of the Commission for Electricity Regulation, and not a matter in which I have a function.
95 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Public Enterprise the amount of money which will be invested in energy efficiency in 1999; the amount which will be saved as a result; and the amount of tonnes of CO2 which will be saved as a result. [20923/99]
Exchequer investment in Irish Energy Centre activities in 1999 will be approximately £2 million. In addition it is estimated that EU grants of £1.3 million will be paid out under the energy efficiency investment support scheme, attracting additional private investment of £3.2 million in 1999.
Furthermore, investment of the order of £8 million in highly efficient combined heat and power units in industry will take place in 1999. The ESB will have invested £6 million in its demand side management programme promoting energy efficiency and related activities with its customers during the year.
This £20.5 million investment in energy efficiency will produce approximately £13 million in energy savings. The amount of CO2 reduction as a result is estimated at approximately 540,000 tonnes.
