Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)

The programme for Government commits to the development of an Irish bio-fuels industry and to the sustainable development and deployment of indigenous bioenergy resources. In the context of our renewable energy ambitions we need to mobilise as yet untapped biomass resources, including the potential offered by marine algae or seaweed. Work is under way to determine what the marine environment might contribute to developing the national bio-fuels capacity. The analysis will include identifying the necessary research, development and demonstration projects to realise any such potential.

Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, is therefore commissioning analysis of the potential of marine algae as a source of bio-fuels for Ireland. This work will provide a comprehensive basis on which to inform research and development work on the potential use of marine algae for renewable energy. It will also provide data on the bio-fuels capacity that could potentially be derived from the marine environment. Tenders for the study are currently being evaluated by SEI.

I am advised that the study will take up to six months once the tender is awarded. In light of its findings we will be better equipped to quantify the scale of the potential marine resource for bio-fuels development and to develop a strategy. I expect SEI to work very closely with the Marine Institute on this initiative.

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