Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 259: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the proposals and incentives available for domestic wind turbines; the estimated number of such turbines currently in operation; if his Department supports the concept of domestic wind turbines; the estimated capacity that could be supplied to the grid beyond domestic use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16047/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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There is a common perception that micro-scale production of electricity from wind turbines can only succeed if access to a net-metering type incentive is in place.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) launched a study entitled "Metering Options for Small-Scale Renewable and CHP Electricity Generation in Ireland". The report identifies that more than 80% of the electricity meters installed in Ireland are backstopped. The meters cannot therefore operate in reverse which is an essential requirement for net metering.

SEI plans to commission additional work on the technical issues for connecting commercial renewable and CHP small-scale electricity generation this year. The various options, including net metering, will be revisited once that report is to hand. The practical resource can only be quantified after the technical issues arising in the connection process are resolved.