Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 203: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the ocean energy prototype fund as referred to in Parliamentary Question No. 362 of 3 February 2009; the extent envisaged by him of the prototype fund; the purposes for which it will be set up; the proposed distribution method of funds involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7828/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The ocean energy prototype development fund is one element in the Ocean Energy strategy. It is designed to stimulate the development and deployment of ocean energy devices and systems. The fund provides grant support for industry-led projects developing and testing wave and tidal energy capture devices and systems, independent monitoring of projects/technologies, R&D aimed at the integration of ocean energy into the electricity market and the national electricity grid (and network), data monitoring, forecasting, communications and control of ocean energy systems and specific industry-led research projects carried out by research centres.

The prototype fund is being administered by the Ocean Energy Unit of Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI). The budget for this measure is €2.7 million. The detailed qualifying conditions and applicable terms and conditions have already been published by the Ocean Energy Development Unit of SEI. In response to the call for proposals in December, a number of applications from industry are currently being processed with a view to first awards being announced shortly.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 204: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details in respect of the state of the art national ocean energy facility in University College, Cork; the physical expenditure of money due in 2009; when he expects the project to be completed; the number who will work therein; the intended qualification level; the remit of the national ocean energy facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7829/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Sustainable Energy Ireland is engaged with UCC in the further development and enhancement of the existing wave-basin located at the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC) at UCC and the development of a new National Ocean Test Facility (NOTF). The facility provides research and testing facilities for a variety of offshore purposes. The upgrade of the existing facility currently underway includes new wave generating equipment, new experimental test rigs, additions to the wave flume facilities and improved mechanical and electrical workshop facilities and advanced computer solutions for numerical analysis and modelling. Capital expenditure in 2009 is estimated at €1.2 million. The enhancement of the HMRC will be completed in 2009.

The HMRC facility requires further and more substantial enhancement and extension, to be able to service a more extensive range of modelling and testing requirements by device developers. It is currently envisaged that this capability will be provided in a new facility, the NOTF, which in turn will be part of a proposed Maritime and Energy Research Centre (MERC), to be located adjacent to the National Maritime College at Ringaskiddy. It is hoped that funding for MERC will be sourced within the current call for proposals for PRTLI 5. In this scenario, the NOTF would be commissioned in 2012. The facility, which performs a variety of additional functions and services beyond the ocean energy programme, is staffed by a Director, a Research Manager, 2 Principal Investigators and an additional 20 staff including Research Engineers, Post Doctorates, PhD students, MSc students and also includes 2 technicians.

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 205: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the details of the group connected wave energy test site off the west coast; the location and status of same; the extent of expenditure envisaged for 2009; when he expects the project to be completed; the projected test period for the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7830/09]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Marine Institute, in partnership with ESBI, conducted the extensive process of locating a suitable wave energy test site. The development partnership is between Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Marine Institute and ESBI to develop a grid connected site off Annagh Co. Mayo for testing fully operational pre-commercial wave energy converters supplying power directly to the electricity network. Interim Project Management is in place undertaking a detailed process of technical consultation with prospective industrial users of the facility, completing engineering specifications, processing the requirements for onshore and offshore lease applications, network connection and shore works requirements. Expenditure on the project is expected to exceed € 2 million in 2009, and project completion is expected by 2010 or 2011 depending on variable factors including offshore sea conditions in the development phase. The project is expected to remain viable for at least ten years.