Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 20 November 2014
160. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the relationship between Grid25 and any possible future interconnection with Europe; his views on if additional independent reviews of this policy are required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44685/14]
View answerThe Grid25 Strategy focusses on major transmission system investment in order to meet Ireland’s long term energy needs and aligns with the Government’s target of having 40% of electricity generated from renewable resources by 2020.
EirGrid has a statutory obligation to explore and develop opportunities for interconnection with other transmission systems. Enhanced security of supply, increased competitiveness, ability to integrate greater quantities of renewable generation resources and development of a significant renewable energy export industry are the potential benefits of further interconnection.
In the context of achieving a fully functioning and connected internal energy market, measures are expected to be taken at EU and member state levels to increase electricity interconnections between EU member states by 2020. These measures will be pursued through the implementation of EU "Projects of Common Interest" (PCIs).
In June 2013, EirGrid and its French counterpart, RTE (Réseau de transport d’électricité) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to commission studies on the feasibility of building a submarine electricity interconnector between Ireland and France. Pre-feasibility studies to investigate a possible interconnector took place between 2011 and 2013. The studies will involve desktop studies and marine survey studies to collect data to inform a decision on the feasibility and possible benefits of such an interconnector. If, on completion of the studies, the project is deemed viable, both partners would then decide on progression to the planning and development stages. The project is on the current list of PCIs adopted by the European Commission.
