Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

People make assertions about the level of investment involved and sometimes they think other technologies are cheaper, but when we delve into the issue and examine and analyse it, that is not always the case. However, we must keep these issues in mind in the context of the White Paper and the decision we will make later in the year. If we were to consider taking the biomass approach at Moneypoint for example, its capacity is 915 MW and its demand for biomass would far exceed the available biomass or potential biomass available in this jurisdiction. Some estimates suggest that 260,000 hectares of energy crops would be required, whereas to date, some 3,000 hectares have been planted under the bioenergy scheme run by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. Therefore, if we took that approach, the plant would be heavily reliant on imported biomass. Such large levels of import would raise considerations as to environmental sustainability of the operation.

I am keeping an open mind in regard to all of the new technologies, solar and others, in the context of the definitive White Paper we will publish in September. I would welcome the input of all Deputies on the issues, particularly in regard to renewables. Wind cannot solve all of our problems. It has been cost effective, but the Deputy is correct. We must ensure we look at all of the other available technologies. However, we cannot assume, without comprehensive analysis, that some of the newer technologies will be cheaper or more viable.

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