Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Departmental Schemes

10:00 am

Photo of John McGuinnessJohn McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)
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Question 558: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the funding or grant aid available through his Department or the EU to provide individual or group schemes to generate wind energy for individual households; his plans in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29712/10]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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Micro-generation is currently being supported through the pilot micro-generation scheme being run by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and a domestic feed-in tariff offered by ESB under certain terms and conditions.

The principal objective of the SEAI pilot programme is to investigate and test technical, market and regulatory issues associated with the installation, network connection and operation of small and micro scale generation technologies. An associated programme objective is to assess measures required for supplier and product qualification to minimise the risk of adverse outcomes at small-scale and micro-generation installations, hence promoting the robust growth of a supply base.

It is recognised that the equipment used for microgeneration needs to be safe and reliable and should perform to the specified standards. Installation quality may also impact performance and safety, and therefore there is a need for standards for microgeneration installations and for installer training. All pilot installations in SEAI's microgeneration pilot programme are subject to a performance monitoring period of 18 months. The pilot programme is expected to run until mid 2011.

In conjunction with the pilot trials, the market potential of microgeneration and the possible supports that would be needed to achieve that potential are being assessed by my Department in conjunction with SEAI and ESB.

ESB Customer Supply is the only electricity supply company currently offering domestic consumers a microgeneration feed-in tariff under certain terms and conditions. This tariff is offered on a commercial basis and it is open to the other supply companies to enter this market.

I consider that the introduction of a robust framework for the development of a vibrant microgeneration sector is a key component of building societal acceptance of energy infrastructure and ownership of the national renewable energy targets.

I am committeed to developing a comprehensive microgeneration framework in the near term.

Photo of Michael McGrathMichael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 559: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position regarding a grant scheme (details supplied) administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland. [29764/10]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The Home Energy Saving Scheme commenced in March 2009. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland operated a limited pilot phase of the scheme in operation in 2008, but this was restricted to a few small areas, not including Cork. Based on the information provided by the Deputy, it would seem that the works were carried out long before the scheme came into operation. The rules of the scheme do not provide for the payment of a grant for work carried out prior to application, as the scheme is designed to stimulate and incentivise investment as distinct from rewarding past investment.

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