Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 July 2021
53. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the current status of the energy security review of the State’s electricity and natural gas systems; when the review will be completed; when the final report and recommendations will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39114/21]
View answer151. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide the evidence base of the including of increased electrification in the heat and transport sectors as a relevant factor in the technical analysis to inform a Review of the Security of Energy Supply of Ireland’s Electricity and Natural Gas Systems request for tender given EirGrid’s analysis shows increased demand for electricity will come exclusively from data centres and not electrification of heat and transport. [41120/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 53 and 151 together. I propose to take Question Nos 53 and 151 together.
The review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050.
The review, which is underway, includes a technical analysis which will help inform a public consultation. The technical analysis includes identification and examination of the key risks to the security of supply in the electricity and natural gas systems; identification of options that could address or mitigate these risks in the period to 2030; and appraisal of these options in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050.
In carrying out this technical analysis the consultants are having regard to projected electricity and gas supply and demand. Datacentres will represent an important proportion of this electricity demand. The consultants will have regard to a range of information sources, including analyses by gas and electricity Transmission System Operators and the increased climate ambition in the Programme for Government to reduce harmful climate emissions in the energy sector for heat, transport and electricity.
It is planned that the technical analysis will be published and the public consultation undertaken in the second half of this year. The methodology of the technical analysis report will be set out in order to facilitate the consultation process. The review, which I expect to complete in the first half of 2022, will be submitted to Government. While it is a matter for Government, I expect the outcome of the review would then be published.
