David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 150: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources if a feasibility study has been carried out on the need to construct a new interconnector between Ireland and Britain to enable the further development of wind energy here; the situation regarding wind energy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38649/05]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Security of supply in regard to energy is a key policy objective. The relatively small size of our national electricity market heightens the need for greater interconnection as a means of enhancing security of supply, promoting competition and integrating the Irish electricity market into the wider European market. In this context, it remains my intention to progress the development of east-west electricity interconnection with Great Britain as a matter of priority.

At my request, the Commission for Energy Regulation, CER, explored the options for the development of east-west electricity interconnection. The CER appointed consultants to advise on the financial, technical, commercial and procurement aspects of the development. The report of the consultants, which is now complete, includes a technical and legal review and a consideration of regulatory and procurement aspects. A consultation process was also undertaken with parties who expressed an interest.

A decision on how best to take the east-west electricity interconnection project forward, be it on a regulated or a hybrid regulated or merchant basis, is the next step and such determination will be informed by the advice of the CER in the matter, which I expect to receive shortly.

The development of an east-west electricity interconnection would also, in theory at least, increase the capacity of wind powered electricity generating plants which could connect to the national grid without compromising system security. However the actual increased capacity which could be connected after the commissioning of an east-west electricity interconnection will depend on a variety of factors, including the amount of wind powered capacity connected to Great Britain, the nature and point of the interconnection and protocols for operating the interconnection and accessing or allocating the available capacity. Pending a decision on how best to take the east-west electricity interconnection project forward and subsequent decisions, it is premature to speculate on the additional wind powered capacity that might be connected subsequently without compromising system security.

In the near term the priority is to launch the renewable energy feed in tariff, REFIT, support measure to ensure we more than double the amount of renewable energy powered electricity plant connected to the electricity network from 675 MW currently to 1,450 MW by 2010.

Proposed terms and conditions of the REFIT programme were posted on my Department's website, www.dcmnr.gov.ie, for public comment last September. Approximately 30 responses were received. Those submissions have been evaluated and incorporated into the REFIT programme where appropriate.

We are currently seeking legal advice on a proposed finalised document to launch REFIT. It will be published as soon as legal approval is received and after the practical arrangements to print and make available the detailed notes are completed.