Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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537. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources to outline his plan to examine proposals to convert coal-fired generators in Moneypoint, County Clare, and peat fired generators in the midlands to biomass to reduce carbon emissions here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44089/14]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The fuel used in the coal-fired generators in Moneypoint and in the peat-fired generators in the Midlands is a matter for the relevant operators and not a matter in which I, as Minister, have any role or function. I am advised that ESB has conducted some limited trials on biomass co-firing at Moneypoint and will continue to monitor developments in this area. Notwithstanding this, I am advised that there are a number of important issues that would demand further consideration before biomass could be used extensively at Moneypoint, including:

- conversion of Moneypoint to biomass would require significant levels of operator capital investment and plant redesign;

- substantially more biomass than is available domestically would be required with large amounts of the resource having to be imported leading to questions in relation to sustainability and security of supply;

- the commitment of substantial amounts of biomass to Moneypoint would divert scarce biomass away from the renewable heat sector, where biomass can be used more efficiently and where fewer alternative technologies exist; and

- support tariffs substantially higher than those available for wind, which has been the most cost effective renewable technology in the Irish electricity market, would also be required which could lead to increased electricity prices.

In that regard, electricity from biomass, including co-firing with peat, is already supported through REFIT. The recently published draft Bio Energy Plan recommended that REFIT 3 would be kept under review to ensure the most cost effective way to support co-firing of biomass with peat.

In relation to the peat fired generators in the Midlands, I am advised that ESB has also completed biomass co-firing trials at West Offaly and Lough Ree power plants. These trials have identified some significant technical and commercial issues, including uncertainty regarding the biomass supply chain, that need to be addressed before biomass co-firing could be a realistic option. Bord na Móna is already co-firing its plant at Edenderry with biomass now accounting for 25% of the fuel mix.