Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 29 September 2022
68. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the future of the waste-to-energy sector in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47635/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra69. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on whether further subsidies for the waste-to-energy sector will be necessary to facilitate a route to market; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47636/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra70. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the appointment of a regulator for the waste-to-energy sector; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47637/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 68 to 70, inclusive, together.
While there are no plans to introduce subsidies specifically directed at the waste to energy sector, the Renewable Energy Support Scheme (RESS) presents a possible route to market for renewable generators and is technology neutral. The RESS is open for participation to waste to energy projects. However, to date no waste to energy projects have applied to the scheme as the €120 price cap in the auction likely makes the RESS an unviable prospect for that particular technology. The use of waste heat in district heating is supported by the 2018 Energy Efficiency Directive and district heating has an important role to play in improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions. The waste to energy sector offers potential as a heat provider for district heating projects, as can be seen from the proposed Dublin District Heating System, which will take waste heat from the Dublin Waste to Energy plant and pipe it into homes and businesses in the Poolbeg, Ringsend and docklands areas of Dublin city. My Department has been progressing the matter of the regulation of district heat networks as an essential basis for its expansion and S.I. No. 350/2022 - European Union (Renewable Energy) Regulations (2) 2022 now designates the Commission for Regulation of Utilities as the Regulator of District Heat Networks. Furthermore, a District Heating Steering Group was established earlier this year and has met on eight occasion so far. Among other things, the Steering Group will oversee research to inform Government policy on district heating going forward. This will include mapping heat demand together with identifying potential heat sources including those from the waste to energy sector.
