Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 415: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the studies or computer modelling of the electricity grid or market being planned, conducted, or paid for in 2008 or 2009 by his Department or by the State and semi-State agencies for which he has responsibility including the goals and aims of the work, the Department or agency involved, the names of those paid to carry out the work, the cost, the expected completion date and the expected publication date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38304/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I refer the Deputy to my previous replies to Parliamentary Questions 501 and 502 of 21st October 2008.

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 further out-working of 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 scheduled 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.

My Department has not directly conducted studies or computer modelling of the electricity grid or 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 undertakes various studies and modelling tasks on the electricity market. 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 and its publication is a day to day operational matter for the Commission, which is statutorily independent in the performance of its functions.

The Transmission System Operator, EirGrid, publishes each year a number of key reports. These include the Transmission Forecast Statement, which reviews levels of network capacity and locations available to connect to the grid. The Generation Adequacy Report assesses levels of electricity demand over a multi annual period and also assesses related power generation requirements. The Transmission Forecast Statement has recently been published and the Generation Adequacy Report is expected to be published in December.

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 the 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.