Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 1125: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the progress made in relation to the programme for Government proposal to optimise the amount of indigenous, renewable energy which can be used safely and at a fair price to consumers by increasing the opportunities for offshore wind and ocean and tidal energy generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47735/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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My Department administers the REFIT scheme, which supports the increased production of electricity from new renewable energy powered electricity generating plants. The share of electricity from renewable energy in 2007, the latest year for which published data is available, was 9.4%, which more than doubles the contribution from renewable energy sources from just over 4% in 2003.

In January 2008 I announced an additional category in REFIT to support the construction of projects in offshore wind technology, to contribute to the Government's target of 40% of electricity from renewable sources by 2020. My Department is currently in discussion with all stakeholders, including representatives of proposed offshore wind-powered projects, to set rules around qualifying conditions and timelines appropriate to the sector for publication this year.

Technologies harnessing ocean and tidal energy are largely in the research and developmental phase. Last year I launched the Ocean Energy Initiative to ensure Ireland is fully positioned to optimise our wave and tidal resources. The multi annual Ocean Energy Package includes the establishment of the Ocean Energy Development Unit based in Sustainable Energy Ireland; the creation of a state-of-the-art National Ocean Energy facility in University College Cork; the development of a grid-connected wave energy test site off the west coast; the establishment of an Ocean Energy Prototype Fund and the introduction of a new feed-in-tariff under the REFIT scheme for wave and tidal technologies of €220 per Megawatt Hour. I am pleased to confirm that all components of the Package are under way and are being progressed as a priority, with the involvement of stakeholders, by the Ocean Energy Development Unit.