Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 258: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources his policy in regard to wind generated electricity; if he has issued directives to the energy regulator or received communications therefrom in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30276/04]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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The promotion of renewable energy, of which wind energy is the predominant technology, is a key priority of the Government. The 1999 Green Paper on sustainable energy established a target to add 500 MW of new renewable energy based electricity generating plant to the electricity network by 2005. This target has since increased to 718 MW.

The wind resource is random and cannot increase or decrease the electricity generated in immediate response to consumer demand. The current support target for wind powered projects does not raise serious technical issues for system stability. However, planning for future programmes at increased penetration levels of wind powered electricity generating plant does raise significant technical issues which must be addressed in order to maintain system security for electricity consumers. The Commission for Energy Regulation, which is independent in the discharge of its functions, is examining issues of immediate relevance regarding the grid code for wind powered generators. In May 2004, a renewable energy development group, chaired by my Department, was established. The group, which includes CER participation, will advise on future options on policies, targets, programmes and support measures to develop the increased use of renewable energy in the electricity market to 2010 and beyond.

A major portion of the group's work is to resolve the challenges arising from future increased connection of intermittent wind powered generating capacity to the electricity network. The group's report, due before the end of 2004, will form the basis of my future policy decisions in this area.