David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources further to parliamentary Question No. 19 of 19 October 2011, the progress made by him in supporting the development of electricity production from wave energy technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10517/12]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Wave energy technology is still at the research, development and demonstration stage globally. The Ocean Energy Development Unit (OEDU) in the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is working to take forward Ireland's ocean energy programme, in line with the Government's commitment to realise the long term economic potential of Ireland's wave and tidal energy resources. In that context SEAI is working closely with the Marine Institute and my Department as well as the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government.

SEAI's Prototype Development Fund supports the development of wave and tidal device prototypes and associated supporting technologies. A total of 32 projects have been funded to date. Of these 21 projects have been completed and 11 are in the process of completion. New guidelines for the Prototype Development Fund are currently being developed.

Work is also continuing on the pre-planning stages for the potential development of a grid connected pre-commercial full scale prototype test site. An application for an exploration foreshore lease was submitted in December 2011 and environmental monitoring on the proposed site is being carried out. An electricity grid connection offer in respect of the site has been received. The options for future funding of the test site will be the subject of detailed assessment in the context of 2013 and subsequent year budgets.

The IDA and Enterprise Ireland are also involved in developing and assisting the ocean energy sector as part of their clean technology development drive, working with SEAI, my Department and the sector itself.

My Department is finalising an offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan underpinned by a Strategic Environmental Assessment of Irish waters, which is due to be completed shortly.