Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 1424: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will respond to a query on renewable energy (details supplied). [2045/08]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 1428: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has identified potential sites for storage of electricity on a large scale such as large scale pumped storage or compressed air energy storage; and the steps he has taken and the incentives he plans to provide to ensure the identification and development of such sites. [36108/07]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 1432: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the action, in view of the commitment in the National Development Plan to spend vast sums of money on increased energy storage, he has taken to encourage the development of electricity storage schemes to support renewables penetration; if he will ensure that electricity produced from such schemes is defined under the Electricity Regulations Act 1999 as renewable, sustainable and alternative energy in order that it is given priority when EirGrid selects generating stations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1061/08]

Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 1433: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has succeeded in identifying suitable sites to store electricity on a large scale in the Republic of Ireland; the incentives he will offer to find and develop such sites; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1062/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 1424, 1428, 1432 and 1433 together.

EU law on the promotion of renewable energy resources in the electricity market (Directive 2001/77/EC), precludes member states from defining electricity from energy storage systems as "renewable energy sourced electricity". It is not possible, therefore, to amend domestic legislation to give priority dispatch to electricity produced from such energy storage systems as renewable energy sourced electricity.

Energy storage has been developed over the years in Ireland where it can make a useful contribution to balancing electricity supply and consumer demand. This is the case at the ESB's pumped water power station at Turlough Hill. Compressed air storage is widely used at small scale within industry, but not generally for power generation at significant scale. It is possible that new technology developments could enhance the viability of storage options in the future. Developments will be kept under close review by my Department in consultation with EirGrid and the energy sector.

Under the National Development Plan energy reserve storage including gas and oil, is highlighted as a national strategic priority. A study of the possible options for gas storage on an all-island basis has recently been completed and is being considered by my Department and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Industry Northern Ireland. My Department has recently commissioned a review of Ireland's access to oil supplies and storage options. Both of these studies will critically inform future decisions to enhance security of energy supply, in relation to gas and oil.

The "All Island Grid Study" published earlier this month, examines the ability of the electricity systems on an All-Island basis to absorb power from renewable energy powered projects. Its finding shows that a target of 42% is feasible. The Study is not prescriptive on the alternative technologies, including pumped storage, which a liberalised electricity market may bring forward to balance customer demand and supply as the renewable energy powered capacity increases.