Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 July 2004
195 Mr. Murphy asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his views on an assessment (details supplied) that wind energy will cost up to 25% extra to the end user; and if he has taken action to have this prediction independently assessed. [20954/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of future targets and support mechanisms and the associated additional costs to increase the production of electricity from renewable energy sources is a matter for Government on my recommendation. As part of that process my Department, in consultation with Sustainable Energy Ireland, will advise on costs. My view is that until future targets and support options are settled the associated costs cannot be stated beyond very general assumptions.
At end 2003 I invited public comment on future targets and support mechanisms for renewable energy technologies in electricity production. Respondents were also requested to cost all proposals. The emphasis on costs calculations is to protect the consumer interest. I interpret the Eirgrid views on additional costs as a contribution to the consultation process.
The submissions received by my Department under the consultation process, including the submission received from Eirgrid, are currently being analysed with the technical assistance of Sustainable Energy Ireland. I have not subjected any of these to independent assessment and have no proposals to do so at this time.
