I propose to take Question Nos. 151 to 153, inclusive, together.
In September 2007, my Department obtained State Aid clearance from the EU to run a renewable energy feed in tariff scheme (REFIT) for the wind, small hydro, landfill gas and biomass combustion sectors. Under the terms of the State Aid clearance, new applications could be accepted into the scheme until 31 December 2009. The Department is currently in the process of preparing a new state aid application to extend the time period of the original REFIT scheme to cover new renewable generation commensurate with meeting our renewable energy target under Directive 2009/28/EC. As part of this process, an internal review of the terms and conditions of the scheme is being finalised.
Once the application for extension of the original REFIT scheme has been submitted to the European Commission, applications for REFIT for additional sectors including offshore wind, wave and tidal (ocean), Anaerobic Digestion/Combined Heat and power and biomass combustion including biomass co-firing will be submitted to the Commission. The tariffs for bio-energy were recently announced following consultation with all relevant stakeholders. New REFIT applications will be processed without delay following State Aid clearance.