Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 October 2019
501. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if the inclusion of the Shannon LNG project on the PCI list agreed on 4 October 2019 is the finalised list of PCI projects; if the decision for its inclusion on the PCI list has to be finally ratified; if so, when this decision will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43246/19]
View answerThe Climate Action Plan sets out the actions we need to take to achieve our 2030 targets, to make our homes warmer, our air cleaner and to secure a sustainable, resilient Ireland for future generations. Under the Climate Action Plan we will:
- Fully exit from peat and coal to generate electricity
- Move from 30% renewable electricity today to 70% renewable electricity by 2030.
In making these critical changes, energy sustainability and security must be reviewed.
The European Commission is continuing its preparation of the fourth Union list of projects of common interest in energy in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 347/2013 on guidelines for trans-European energy infrastructure.
At the meeting of 4 October 2019 which considered the 4th PCI list, Ireland enquired from the EU Commission whether the implications of importing LNG to the European Union, from conventional and unconventional fracked sources, have been examined in terms of a sustainable, secure and competitive European energy policy. The Commission advised that it had launched a study on methane emissions and agreed with the need to link gas imports to the objective of a climate neutral economy.
Shannon LNG has been designated as a Project of Common Interest (PCI) for 6 years since 2013. While Ireland has continued to support the inclusion of the Shannon LNG Project on the 4th PCI list, I have made it clear that the Government will not consider any application for EU Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) funding for any LNG project until a security of supply review has been completed and considered by the Government and the Dáil, and only if the projects in question are consistent with national and EU climate policy objectives.
As I previously advised the House, I have initiated the process of commissioning a comprehensive independent energy security review in the context of the transition to a carbon neutral economy. The review, which will be completed during 2020, will examine the fuel mix necessary, including the role of gas in electricity generation, interconnection and battery storage as back-up for renewables, to ensure security of supply.
