Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 500: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to a previous parliamentary question (details supplied), his views on whether both the 25% and the 28% reductions are significantly lower than the 42% figure for renewable generation and that this is as a result of diminishing returns and reflects reduced efficiency in the fossil fuel generating sector as wind is added to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35434/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The modelling work employed in the "All Island Grid Study" applied a series of assumptions to the six portfolios examined. The study took portfolio 1, which includes 16% renewable electricity in 2020, as the reference case to assess the performance of the other portfolios. In the case of portfolio 5, which examines a 42% share of renewable generation capacity in 2020, the estimated savings in emissions and reduction in gas imports are the additional savings achievable over and above the savings delivered by Portfolio 1 as the reference case. The figures of 25% reduction in emissions savings and 28% reduction in gas used for electricity generation postulated in the Grid Study reflect the comparative difference between 42% renewable capacity on the system in 2020 and 16% renewable capacity on the system in 2020. The absolute reductions in emissions and gas for 42% renewable capacity (i.e. by reference to zero renewable capacity) would accordingly be higher than 25% and 28% respectively.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 501: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of studies or computer modelling of the electricity grid being planned, conducted or paid for in 2008 or 2009 by his Department or any of the State agencies for which he has responsibility; if he will include the goals and aims of the work, the Department or agency involved, the organisations and names of those responsible paid to carry out the work, the cost of such work, the expected completion date and the expected publication date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35435/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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A study has been commissioned to rework the findings of the All-Island Electricity Grid Study to take specific account of potential Demand Side Management measures. The study is part of an agreed programme of out-working a range of aspects of the Grid Study. The study has been commissioned jointly by my Department and the Northern Ireland Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment, and the contract has recently been awarded to independent international consultants, Ecofys. The study, which will cost €74,200 (excluding VAT), is expected to be completed in the first quarter 2009 and the intention is to publish the report, jointly with Northern Ireland, as soon as possible thereafter.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 502: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of studies or computer modelling, of the electricity market being planned, conducted of paid for in 2008 or 2009 by his Department of any of the State agencies for which he has responsibility; if he will include the goals and aims of the work, the Department or agency involved, the organisations and names of those responsible paid to carry out the work, the cost of such work, the expected completion date and the expected publication date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35436/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department has not conducted direct studies or computer modelling of the electricity market in 2008, nor are there any planned for 2009. In the performance of its statutory functions including in relation to the Single Electricity Market (SEM), the Commission for Energy Regulation undertake various studies and modelling tasks on the electricity market. I am advised that the Commission jointly with the Northern Ireland Regulator is currently modelling the effect of the incorporation of increased levels of wind power in the SEM. It is expected that this study will be finalised before the end of the year. The cost of this work is a day to day operational matter for the Commission, which is statutorily independent in the performance of its functions.

My Department currently makes a contribution towards the overall running costs of the ESRI's Energy Policy Research Centre which conducts a range of research relevant to energy policy under its annual work programme. This research programme has included in previous years simulation modelling of the Irish electricity system and analysis of interconnection and energy efficiency. I am advised that future work of the Centre in this area includes the cost of renewables integration into the electricity system and the development of a dynamic model of power generation to inform consideration of appropriate electricity generation investment for Ireland.