Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2004
10 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if the proposed renovations to Moneypoint power station will allow for any amount of wood biomass material to be included in the fuel mix for the plant; and if so the type and amount of wood material that can be used. [19313/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe matter of the type of fuel that can be used in Moneypoint electricity generating station is a technical matter for the ESB and not one in which I have a function. However, it is my understanding that the Moneypoint plant operates as a 915 MW coal-fired generating station, with a capacity to switch to heavy fuel-oil in exceptional circumstances such as when coal supplies are not available.
The company formally submitted to my Department on Friday, 25 June 2004 its proposals in regard to the future operation of the plant in light of obligations imposed under the EU large combustion plant and the national emission ceiling directives. The obligations under these directives must be met by 2008 and 2010, respectively.
The company's proposals entail the installation of additional specialised equipment to reduce significantly the existing levels of sulphur dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions in line with the obligations under the directives already referred to. The proposals also include an element of renewal and upgrading of existing parts of the station to ensure the plant's continued operation for an extended period beyond its current projected lifetime until around the year 2020.
As far as I am aware, the proposed works to be carried out on Moneypoint will not change the plant from being a primarily coal-fired generating station, as is currently the case. The question of whether the renovations will allow for the burning of fuels or materials other than coal or heavy fuel-oil is a technical matter for the company and not one in which I have a function.
Given that the Minister has a role in reducing our CO2 emissions and that the plant upgrade will not do so, since we will not benefit from the 3.5 million tonne reduction in CO2 predicted for Moneypoint in the national climate change strategy, will he not instruct the company to make it a condition of any future operation of the plant that it includes a percentage of wood material which is CO2 neutral? When will the Department take a technical view on this matter?
The ESB's proposals came to the Department last Friday and are being examined. The proposals will be brought before the Cabinet to make a decision in regard to approval. It is not for the Government to decide what can or cannot be used, it is a matter entirely for the ESB.
Is the Minister concerned about the pension deficit of €510 million published in the ESB's recent annual report which, according to accountants, the FRS17 provision may increase to €900 million? Does he have concerns about this level of pension liability in a semi-State company?
That is a separate question.
It is an additional question to the Minister.
The Deputy will have to table a separate question on that subject.
The Minister wants to answer it.
The Deputy could have asked the question in the context of the previous question.
