Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

I agree with the Deputy that we need to learn as we move along. That competitive tendering process for the supply of renewables would not be appropriate in this instance, and we are better off moving towards a fixed price structure. It will be phased and we are currently moving towards a test and research phase. We will then have a testing of the connected prototype, which will still be a non-commercial phase. That will require a certain type of fixed price support, possibly with a time limit. People will be encouraged to go out, test the facility and bring it back in and allow other operators access to whatever grid connection points they have. We will then move into the fully commercial non-prototype stage, where a commercial operation has a guaranteed fixed price over a period of years to give the investors the necessary confidence they need.

Each of the technologies have slightly different requirements, but I would include off-shore wave energy in this general development of ocean energy as it will also have a significant resource and some common characteristics such as grid connections and the need for a support price. I agree that we have huge potential and that we must show urgency in the development of that resource. The State's role in this is to ensure the regulations make it happen quickly, to provide grants and support prices where necessary, but also to leverage support from the private sector. If we can develop an international expertise and show a lead, we can take the technology from here, deploy it in other locations around the world and become a world leader. That is certainly my aim, as well the aim of the Deputy.

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