Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 July 2016
814. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his views on whether keeping Moneypoint coal-fired power station open is compatible with meeting commitments to climate change mitigation targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22843/16]
View answer815. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources his plans to phase out coal-fired power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22844/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 814 and 815 together.
The Energy White Paper 'Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030', published in December last, notes that Moneypoint, Ireland’s only coal burning power station, contributes to diversifying Ireland’s fuel mix and the provision of competitively priced electricity. The station is owned by the ESB and the White Paper recognises that key decisions on its future will have to be taken before 2020 as the station will reach the end of its operating life in its current configuration in 2025.
In addition, the White Paper recognises that increasing ‘cost of carbon’ charges on Green House Gas emissions will drive up the cost of carbon-intensive energy sources and lead firms and consumers to adopt low carbon fuels and energy efficient technologies. It is anticipated therefore that the phasing out of higher carbon fuels will be achieved by a combination of sustainable policy measures and consumer reaction to the higher price of carbon intensive fuels.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish a National Dialogue on Climate Change, which amongst its roles, will identify replacement low-carbon generation technology. This builds on the commitment in the Energy White Paper to establish a National Energy Forum to maximise and maintain consensus on the broad policy measures set out in the White Paper required to ensure the transition to a low-carbon energy future.
It is my intention that the National Dialogue on Climate Change will encompass the role envisaged for the National Energy Forum but with a wider focus to include the examination of key infrastructural, land use, security of supply and economic issues that need to be addressed in our long-term transition to a low-carbon future.
It is important that the National Dialogue on Climate Change reflects the views of all stakeholders including businesses, communities and citizens. This will require careful consideration in terms of the membership of the dialogue, its format and how it engages with the wider public. My Department is currently considering these matters and I hope to bring proposals to Government with a view to the first meeting of the National Dialogue on Climate Change being held later this year.
