Renewable Energy and the Program for Government

The votes are cast, the counting has been completed, and Fine Gael and Labour have emerged as not only the two largest parties, but also coalition partners to form the government of the 31st Dáil.  The Green Party, champions of alternative energy and sustainability, were completely obliterated and Fianna Fail lost the vast majority of their seats.

While there has been some scepticism that Fine Gael and Labour were capable of bridging their ideological differences to form a government, after much negotiation a program for government has been produced.  Styled as the 'Government for National Recovery' they have set out the policies that they will pursue in the years ahead as they attempt to steer the country out of the mire of broken banks, a collapsed property market, widespread unemployment and emigration, and the shackles of a punitive EU/IMF deal that has ensured that taxpayers will pay for the gambling losses of international bondholders.  Not an easy road ahead.

But how does the Program of Government stand up against the election manifesto promises?  Lets have a closer look at what the new coalition intend to do to encourage renewable energy and micro-generation.

Very little positive there really.  'Pay As You Save' being used to replace State capital expenditure is an interesting idea, but ending funding for renewable energy programmes in 2013 seems like an odd one, particularly when existing programs aren't in any way extensive and there's no suggestion of anything to fill the void.  

The 'National Strategic Investment Bank' gets a mention, but the emphasis on directing it towards investing in renewable energy resources has been removed.  'Smart Grid' gets a run too, but it's not clear if the proposal is any more than a rationalisation of existing semi state companies.
 

So what happened to all the promises of a 'Green Skills' programme and supporting electric cars?  Not even a mention.  Geothermal is to be facilitated, but wind farms will be restricted to certain locations and densities. 

While a ReFIT for micro-generators would be welcome, it remains to be seen exactly what they propose by 'not significantly above' the SEMO rate.  If the government is serious about promoting innovation in this sector and developing a vibrant renewable technology manufacturing hub, it is essential that incentives are given to stimulate investment in the domestic market.

In conclusion, a disappointing Program for Government, but it remains to be seen how it is implemented, particularly as the reality of surging Oil and Gas prices is starting to bite.  


Renewable Energy in the Election Manifestos