Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 378: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the resources available for farms and enterprises interested in utilising wind and wave energy; the number of farms availing of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27871/08]

Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 384: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the resources available for farms and enterprises interested in utilising wind and wave energy; the number of farms availing of same; the capacity at which they are operating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27870/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 378 and 384 together.

My Department administers the Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) programme, which supports the construction of new renewable energy powered electricity generating plants including wind-powered and wave-powered plants. Wind energy technologies are well developed and the dominant technology in the REFIT support programme and its predecessor AER. Wave powered technology is still in the research and development phase. Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) also offers a variety of technical advisory services to enterprises and individuals interested in developing renewable energy projects:

The Renewable Energy Information Office;

The Wind Atlas;

The SEI Renewable Energy R,D&D programme;

The SEI guides on connecting renewable and CHP electricity generators to the electricity network; and

Local Energy Agencies.

There are approximately 190 wind-farms in Ireland with a combined installed capacity in excess of 2,000 megawatts which have secured support and built under the previous AER support programme or have received a support commitment under the current REFIT support programme.