Written answers

Thursday, 5 May 2005

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Energy Conservation

5:00 pm

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he has taken or instructions he has given to achieve energy saving or improved efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14516/05]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 165: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the steps he has taken or instructions he has given to achieve energy saving or improved efficiency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14746/05]

Photo of Noel DempseyNoel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 11 and 165 together.

While there is no room for complacency in relation to the vital matter of energy saving and energy efficiency, the situation in Ireland is fairly good, compared with many other European countries. However, we are always open to new ideas and I intend to engage proactively with this agenda.

Sustainable Energy Ireland, SEI, is an agency established by Government in 2002 under the aegis of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources. Its remit is to promote and assist environmentally and economically sustainable production, supply and use of energy across all sectors of the economy.

Indeed, by international standards Ireland compares very favourably with other IEA countries in terms of energy intensity. According to the International Energy Agency's 2003 Ireland review, Ireland has the second lowest energy intensity in the IEA countries. For comparison, the same publication notes that Finland's energy intensity was in 2001 over 90% higher than Ireland's.

It fell by 4.8% in 2002 and 5.8% in 2003 suggesting that the economy is continuing to become more energy efficient. Primary energy intensity fell by 33% between 1990 and 2003, or 3% per annum. An analysis carried out by Sustainable Energy Ireland's energy policy statistical support unit suggests that 33% of the change in energy intensity could be accounted for by structural changes in the economy. The remaining 67% was due to economies of scale, fuel mix and energy efficiency improvements.

SEI is responsible for the rollout of the energy conservation measure of the sustainable energy priority of the National Development Plan 2000-2006. SEI implements a range of programmes, which includes three programmes in the industry sector, four programmes in the built environment, four renewable energy programmes, as well as specialised statistical analysis and policy advice.

The programmes operate in four areas: renewable energy and CHP; research and development; industry and public sector; and residential. Under the renewable energy and CHP programme, SEI runs an information service called the renewable energy information office offering independent advice on all aspects of renewable energy development. The research and development programmes include a research programme aimed at promoting sustainable energy practices in Irish housing. There are also a number of research and demonstration programmes, which supports the increased application and deployment of renewable technologies. Operating to implement best practice with regard to industry and public sector buildings, SEI offers support to stimulate the application of improved energy efficiency design strategies, technologies and services in public sector building construction and retrofitting. The replication of these strategies, technologies and services is a key factor of this programme.

The establishment of voluntary networks such as the large industry energy network, LIEN, which collaborate to reduce energy costs and increase energy efficiencies is a key factor of this programme. LIEN members in 80 companies saved approximately 123.6 GWh of electricity in 2003 amounting to a consequential reduction of almost 43,419 tonnes of CO2

The residential sector too is targeted within SEI's programmes both at an information campaign level and through the home energy rating programme. Both my Department and SEI worked with the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government in designing the implementation plan for the EU energy performance of buildings directive in Ireland launched earlier this week.

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