Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

The Minister referred to ETS installations only. Combined heat and power installations save approximately 25% of the energy required to generate electricity in a conventional power station because they are on the host site and many of industries using them are in the export market. The Minister is proposing the granting of an advantage to a competitor, namely the ESB but there must be a level playing field. If the Minister provided an exemption for combined heat and power, it would be in line with the established precedent in other member states. These are companies using combined heat and power to reduce emissions but the Minister is giving an advantage to a semi-State organisation over small producers who are providing employment.

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