Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
1171. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action he is taking to advance the development of wave energy here; the amount of wave power he anticipates will be generated here in each of the years 2018 to 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15545/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOcean energy can play a critical role in helping Ireland meet its medium to long term energy targets.
The 2014 Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) sets out the Government’s policy for the sustainable development of our abundant offshore renewable energy resources. Ireland has a sea area of 900,000 square kilometres, 10 times its landmass, and some of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world. The Strategic Environmental Assessment that underpinned the OREDP found that 4,500 MW of offshore wind and 1,500 MW of wave and tidal generation could be sustainably developed in Irish waters in the period to 2030. An interim review of the OREDP was commenced in 2017 and will be published shortly on my Department’s website (www.dccae.gov.ie).
In contrast to offshore wind, wave energy is still at the R&D stage globally. Notwithstanding the development of promising experimental devices, much more research, development and trials are required to bring wave energy technology to commercial viability.
Under the OREDP, Exchequer support for research, development and demonstration of ocean renewable energy (ORE) technology has been increased. Between 2014 and 2017 capital funding of €17.7 million was allocated by my Department for research and development of ORE technology. A further €4.5 million has been allocated by my Department in 2018.
This funding supports Ireland’s commitment to world class test facilities including the Lir National Ocean Test Facility in Cork, the quarter scale Galway Bay test site and the full-scale Atlantic Marine Energy Test Site (AMETS), off the coast of Mayo. It also supports the Prototype Development Fund, which is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, and provides grant aid to support developers in bringing their ocean energy devices from prototype to full-scale commercial viability. Within the R & D funding allocation for ocean technologies provided by my Department since 2009, €14 million has been awarded through the Prototype Development Fund and over 100 projects have been supported.
