Vol. 572 No. 6
251 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the money that has been allocated under EU grant section to wind both offshore and large scale biomass and hydro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23898/03]
Sustainable Energy Ireland, the national sustainable energy authority, implements Government policy in regard to the sustainable use of energy across the economy through support for the increased use of energy efficiency technologies and the further deployment of our renewable energy resources. Sustainable Energy Ireland administers a number of programmes in these areas, which are financed under the national development plan with fund ing provided from a combination of EU and Exchequer sources.
A renewable energy research development and demonstration programme was launched by SEI in July 2002. It has a total budget of €16.25 million available to fund the deployment of renewable energy technologies which are close to market and to assess and develop technologies which have prospects for the future. To date, a total of €4.640 million has been committed to projects from the fund. The funding support is broken down under the following renewable areas: biomass –€2,707,000; wind, both on-shore and offshore –€1,046,000; hydro –€378,000; and others –€509,000.
I am aware that a number of renewable energy projects have been successful under the EU's research programme, the 6th framework programme, which was launched in 2002 by DG research, European Commission. However, I understand that no funding has been disbursed to these projects to date.
252 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the funding that has been granted on an application (details supplied); the progress made on the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23899/03]
The building of new renewable energy based electricity generating plants is supported by my Department under the alternative energy requirement programme. There is no grant aid associated with the offer of contracts under this market mechanism. Therefore, no funding has been granted in regard to this application.
