Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 400: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to a previous parliamentary question (details supplied), the type of technologies he proposes when he refers to flexible power generation plants in his reply; the efficiency of those technologies in terms of fuel use and emissions; the way these technologies compare to combined cycle gas turbines and the coal plant at Moneypoint; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37398/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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There are three main types of conventional or fossil fuel generation plant installed on international power systems, including the Irish power system. These are: Baseload generating plant: This type of plant is generally large (commonly 400 megawatt-plus) and are often relatively new in terms of years of operation. These plants operate most efficiently and economically when used for lengthy periods each day, as changing their output reduces their efficiency. Plants in this category typically include combined cycle gas turbines and coal plants. Flexible/marginal generating plant: This type of power plant is generally not as large as a baseload unit. It has the advantage of being able to increase and reduce output reasonably quickly and therefore is a useful ingredient on a power system, bearing in mind the fact that demand can change and that the output of windfarms will change. In contrast to baseload plant, flexible generating plants maintain their level of efficiency even when they do not produce at full capacity. Plants in this category could include open cycle gas turbines and aero derivative gas turbines. Peaking generating plant: This type of generation is more costly to operate on power systems, but has the advantage of being capable of switching on very quickly and therefore is used on power systems worldwide for short periods when demand peaks. Oil fired power plants are included in this category.

The efficiency of fossil fuel generating plants in terms of fuel use and emissions is a day to day matter for each individual generator, operating in the wholesale electricity market. My Department does not have available to it estimates as to efficiency of those technologies or comparisons with combined cycle gas turbines and the coal plant at Moneypoint. However, statistics publicly available on the Single Electricity Market Operator website (http://www.allislandmarket.com) will enable the Deputy to see the relative costs of power supplied into the wholesale power market by various generating units.

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 401: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he will clarify his policy on peat as a fuel source in electricity generation, in the context of a recent An Bord Pleanála refusal of a 100 MW electricity generation station in Killala, County Mayo, in which the sole reason for refusal was that using peat as a power source contravenes policy; and if the consequence of this decision is that policy is to prevent peat fuel content in any new energy generating project. [37444/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Government Policy on the use of peat in electricity generation in Ireland is set out in the White Paper, "Delivering a Sustainable Energy Future for Ireland — The Energy Policy Framework 2007-2020". The three pillars of Government energy policy are security of energy supply, environmental sustainability and delivery of real and effective competition in energy markets. In relation to environmental sustainability, it is the Government's policy to reduce energy related emissions and the carbon intensity of electricity production through various initiatives, including changes to the fuel mix, one of which is the co-firing of the existing peat-fired plants with biomass.

A target of 30% co-firing of the existing peat-fired power plants with biomass by 2015 has been set, which will reduce the amount of peat being used in these plants by about one million tonnes per annum. This is reflected in the projections in the Energy Policy Framework, which indicate a decrease in the amount of peat in the fuel mix up to 2020. The 30% co-firing target is in the context of the existing State-owned peat-fired power generating plant and does not imply that the Government would encourage new peat-fired plants. The Government's clear focus is on the development of new renewable energy and energy-efficient measures to achieve its overall energy policy goals.

Anyone who wishes to generate electricity or construct a generating station must apply for a licence or authorisation to the independent energy regulator, the Commission for Energy Regulation (CER). I have no function in the application or authorisation process under the terms of the governing legislation, the Electricity Regulation Act 1999.

Other organisations involved in the licensing or approving of electricity generating stations include relevant Planning Authorities in relation to planning permission and the EPA for integrated pollution control. Planning Authorities must have regard for Government policy, including environmental policy, when considering applications for electricity generating projects. The recent decision in relation to the proposed electricity generating plant at Killala Co Mayo, is a matter for An Bord Pleanála, which has an independent statutory function in respect of planning matters.