Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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Question 41: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the mechanism by which new windfarm proposals can seek grid connection outside of the Gate 3 process. [23089/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Commission for Energy Regulation (CER) has statutory responsibility for grid connection offers and for oversight of EirGrid's grid connection process including the Gate process for renewable energy.

The CER Gate 3 process which sets out to facilitate connection of around 4,000 MW of additional renewable capacity is currently underway. Once the level of take up of Gate 3 offers becomes clear, the CER will decide how to address any issues arising, including the timing and selection criteria for additional grid connections.

A strategic framework to deliver on the potential for offshore renewable energy and for exporting renewable electricity from Ireland is also a key priority. This will take account of grid technology developments, power flow management techniques, and progressive interconnection with the UK, and potentially Europe.

There are currently over 1,500 megawatts (MWs) of renewable generation capacity connected to the electricity grid. Wind powered technology is the dominant renewable technology. Over 100 individual windfarms have been connected with a combined capacity of 1,260 MWs. 240 MWs of hydro-power are connected. The balance represents biomass plants mainly landfill gas.

The contribution from renewable energy connected to the electricity grid is increasing very steadily from year to year. Renewable generation contributed 11.9% of all electricity consumed in 2008 compared to just 4.4% in 2003. Renewable generation in 2009 is estimated to have represented 14.4% of all generation consumed. Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland's recently published Report on Renewable Energy trends confirms that Ireland is on schedule to meet the 15% target for electricity from renewable sources this year.

In addition to projects already built and connected, a further 1400 MWs of capacity have already signed grid connection offers from the Gate 1 and Gate 2 processes and will be built and connected to the grid over the next two or three year period.

The CER and EirGrid previously estimated that around 5,800 megawatts (MWs) of renewable capacity would be required in total to deliver the 40% target in 2020. Subject to trends in electricity consumption and other factors the prospects that the 40% target may in fact be exceeded.

Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to invest in and promote the development of a marine energy research centre adjacent to the National Maritime College, Ringaskiddy, County Cork. [23065/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Government is giving high priority to supporting the development of Ireland's ocean energy potential. Not only will ocean energy contribute to Ireland's renewable energy targets, it has considerable potential for inward investment and enterprise activity in support of economic renewal. The research activities of the Hydraulics and Maritime Centre at University College Cork are a key part of the Ocean Energy Programme.

The Ocean Energy Unit in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is supporting University College Cork to upgrade the existing wave-basin located at the Hydraulics and Maritime Research Centre (HMRC). The facility provides research and testing facilities for a variety of offshore purposes. The upgrade of the existing facility includes new wave generating equipment, new experimental test rigs, improved workshop facilities and advanced computer solutions for numerical analysis and modelling.

SEAI is also working with the Marine Institute, UCC and other industry stakeholders in putting in place an enhanced management and operational structure for the HMRC reflective of its role in the national ocean energy research programme.

There are proposals for a new National Ocean Test Facility to be developed as part of a Maritime and Energy Research Centre (MERC) beside the National Maritime College at Ringaskiddy. These proposals would see the HMRC relocate its facilities to a site adjacent to the National Maritime College. These plans are at an early stage of development and significant work including costings remains to be carried out before firm proposals are brought forward. The funding of €1.5m made available for the HMRC thus far has largely been for the purchase of equipment, all of which can be transferred to the new facility at MERC if such a transfer is decided upon.