Alternative Energy Projects

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2010

Thursday, 6 May 2010

Ceisteanna (133)

Liz McManus

Ceist:

131 Deputy Liz McManus asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason for the delayed announcement on the renewal energy feed in tariff price for miscanthus; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this REFIT price announcement was due in January 2010; if his further attention has been drawn to the fact that the continued delay in announcing the REFIT price is putting the industry here in jeopardy with the potential loss of jobs; his views on whether miscanthus is an important growth industry if the target for biomass of 30% by 2015 is to be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18527/10]

Freagraí scríofa

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

There was no commitment to announce a renewable energy feed in tariff (REFIT) price for biomass in January, 2010. My Department is working to finalise proposals in relation to REFIT prices for biomass CHP and biomass combustion (co-firing) in the context of the BioEnergy Roadmap, which will underpin the contribution of indigenous bioenergy and biomass to the National Renewable Energy targets for 2020. The national Renewable Energy Action Plan, which will set out Ireland's approach to meeting the targets, is being finalised for submission to the Commission by end June. Miscanthus is one of a number of energy crops currently being utilised in co-firing trials under way by ESB and Bord na Móna. The co-firing trials will contribute to overall assessments about the suitability and viability of the various energy crops as feed stock for the peat plant co-firing programme.