Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
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Question 315: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the basis on which he intends to extend the REFIT scheme; if he will facilitate discussion on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25660/11]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The renewable energy feed in tariff scheme known as REFIT is a scheme to support new renewable generation.

State Aid applications have been submitted to the European Commission to continue to offer REFIT for existing renewable energy categories and to extend the scheme to cover additional biomass categories. It is intended that REFIT will be available for up to 310MW of new generation in the biomass categories including biomass CHP and Anaerobic Digestion, which is intended to stimulate renewable generation in that sector.

State Aid approval for up to 4000MW in the onshore wind, hydro and landfill gas categories is being sought. This amount is sufficient to cover new Gate 3 renewable generation projects which are necessary for the achievement of Ireland's legally binding renewable energy target.

My Department will advise the renewable energy sectors of the terms and conditions approved by the Commission for the REFIT schemes as soon as the State Aid application is approved.