Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 June 2021
94. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the modelling being carried out by his Department to predict energy demand in future; the efforts that are ongoing to reduce energy demand across the State to ensure sustainable output of energy as Ireland moves towards renewable forms of electricity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29428/21]
View answerThe Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has a statutory role in compiling and disseminating national projections of energy production and use. SEAI has published energy demand and supply projections for Ireland since 2006 in collaboration with the Economic and Social Research Institute. These projections are used to inform the debate on future energy trends and to assist the government in developing policy measures. In the electricity sector, EirGrid's Generation Capacity Statement, which is published annually, sets out the expected levels of electricity generation and demand for each year over the coming decade. EirGrid is also currently undertaking a 'Shaping our Electricity Future' consultation across the three dimensions of electricity networks, power system operation, and electricity markets with the aim of developing an integrated vision of the 2030 power system and electricity market. The draft strategy comprises four approaches to achieving this, as well as meeting the projected increased demand for electricity over the coming years.
In addition, My Department is currently carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. The review is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway by 2050. This review is taking into account the commitment in the Programme for Government to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 which is now provided for in the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Bill 2021.
Regarding energy efficiency measures, my Department funds a number of grant schemes to support homeowners, communities, commercial and public sector bodies to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. These are administered by the SEAI and fu
ll details on the application processes for all schemes operated by the Authority are available at www.seai.ie
