Written answers

Tuesday, 3 November 2009

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Alternative Energy Projects

8:00 pm

Photo of Joe McHughJoe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 990: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if grants or schemes are available to persons who wish to install domestic proven windmills that would cater for the electricity needs at dwelling houses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38175/09]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI) has launched a Micro-generation Pilot Programme, involving research and field trials, including support for between 50 and 60 installations on a pilot basis, of micro-scale projects. The field trials will address a range of issues including grid connection and technical standards to ensure the power security, safety and quality of installations. Full details of the field trials, the criteria for applications, the involvement of the different technologies and customer groups and the exact level of support can be reviewed in the grants section of the SEI website. Forty applications have been approved to date including 22 relating to wind.

In February 2009 I launched the Micro Generation programme, which is being operated by ESB Customer Supply and supported by ESB Networks. The programme will provide up to 4,000 domestic customers investing in micro-scale projects with a financial payment for electricity exported back to the grid.

The scheme will also enable two-way metering, to be installed without additional charge to the customer. The electricity producer will be paid a price of 19 cent per kilowatt-hour, which will help to offset the start up costs. The micro technologies in question include wind, solar and hydro as well as combined heat and power. ESB has indicated that 92 customers had signed up for the scheme by September 2009.

Further information is available at: http://www.esb.ie/esbnetworks/generator_connections/micro_gen_connections.jsp

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