Alternative Energy Projects.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 30 April 2009

Thursday, 30 April 2009

Ceisteanna (225)

Joe McHugh

Ceist:

225 Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason grants are not available for the installation of domestic wind turbines in view of the fact grants are available for the installation of domestic solar panels; his views on addressing this contradiction; his further views on whether Donegal is more suited to domestic wind turbines than to domestic solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17256/09]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (Deputy Eamon Ryan)

Solar and wind-powered technologies contribute to different energy requirements in domestic settings. Solar panels harness heat for hot water and space heating. Wind-turbines, on the other hand, are installed primarily to generate electricity. Solar panels qualify for support under the Greener Homes Scheme operated by Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). It is a qualifying condition that equipment approved under this scheme meets internationally accepted certification standards. Only a very small minority of domestic-scale wind turbine products have been independently verified in accordance with the internationally recognised standard (IEC/EN 61400-12-1). Domestic wind turbine technology is therefore included in the Small- and Micro-Scale Generation Field Trials programme operated by SEI which, among other things, will assess appropriate products and quality standards for the domestic-scale turbines and appropriate installation requirements.