Written answers

Wednesday, 9 July 2014

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Renewable Energy Exports

Photo of Michael ColreavyMichael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
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314. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the State money spent on the pursuing the Memorandum of Understanding with Britain on renewable energy export; the money that was spent on its outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30349/14]

Photo of Pat RabbittePat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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The Memorandum of Understanding signed with the UK Government in January 2013 undertook to examine how Irish renewable energy resources, onshore and offshore, might be developed to the mutual benefit of Ireland and the UK. Following in-depth analysis it was found that given the economic, policy and regulatory complexities involved, and the outstanding decisions to be taken by the UK, delivery by 2020 of an Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) to facilitate energy export is not a realistic proposition. While it has not been possible to conclude an agreement at this juncture, I do believe that in the context of a European Internal Energy Market, greater trade in energy between Britain and Ireland is inevitable in the post 2020 scenario.

A full cost benefit analysis was carried out on the potential for renewable export between Ireland and the UK. The cost benefit analysis was carried out by my Department with the assistance of NewERA and the ESRI. AECOM consultants assisted in the process and their fee was €43,080, excluding VAT. Additionally, Doyle Kent Planning Partnership were appointed as planning consultants to assist with the Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework and their fee is €78,000, excluding VAT.

I should also emphasise that the work done thus far on the Renewable Electricity Policy and Development Framework will inform future policy for the development of renewable electricity infrastructure required for compliance with current and future EU renewable targets.

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