Vol. 568 No. 2
104 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department carried out an analysis of the possible conversion of peat fired power stations to biomass fuel; and the research projects under way examining either small scale or large scale biomass heat and power generation projects. [16013/03]
The use of biomass in thermal electricity generating plants is well proven and no specific technical analysis is required. My Department has not carried out any analysis of the kind referred to. Such analysis would be a matter for station owners-promoters in the first instance. The alternative energy requirement programme has included a biomass category in several competitive rounds. In each case landfill gas projects were awarded the contracts in the biomass category. In AER VI new categories were added to explore market interest in Biomass anaerobic digestion plants and biomass-fed combined heat and power plants. The closing date for receipt of tenders was 24 April last and the Department is currently assessing applications received.
