Dáil Éireann - Volume 623 - 06 July, 2006

Written Answers. - Alternative Energy Projects.

Mr. Cuffe Mr. Cuffe

Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if his Department has conducted studies on the costs and potential capacity of domestic renewable energy power generation; his plans to introduce a grants scheme, similar to the greener homes scheme for renewable heat generation, for those wishing to invest in domestic wind and solar power generation technologies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27245/06]

Mr. N. Dempsey Mr. N. Dempsey

  Mr. N. Dempsey: I am committed to developing the necessary structures required to ensure that householders can avail of renewable electricity generating technologies. There are however, a number of technical and administrative issues which require to be addressed in order to pursue this objective.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has published a study on the metering options for Small Scale Renewable electricity and Combined Heat & Power Generation (CHP) in Ireland. The study identified a number of areas which require further analysis including the ability of such processes to secure adequate payment for their exports; connection standards and processes for smaller generators, and the implications of the single electricity market for small-scale electricity generation. SEI is commissioning work to address these issues in 2006 which will inform future policy decisions in this area.

Dáil Éireann 623 Written Answers. Alternative Energy Projects.

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