Written Answers Nos. 1-25
8. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on windfarms; and if he will consider transitioning to off-shore windfarm developments from now on as is being implemented in Denmark. [44139/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits Ireland to achieving at least 70% renewable electricity by 2030. To achieve this ambition, several renewable energy generation technologies will be required including onshore wind, solar and offshore wind. This multi-technology approach not only increases our renewable energy production capacity, but also enhances our energy security by diversifying our sources of renewable energy. The 2019 Climate Action Plan included indicative additional installed capacities of 1.5GW of solar, approximately 4GW of additional onshore wind and 3.5GW of offshore wind by 2030. The Programme for Government has since increased the offshore target to 5GW by 2030, and a long-term plan to take advantage of at least 30GW of floating wind thereafter.
All three technologies will be supported via competitive auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). Other renewable energy technologies are also eligible for support. The first RESS auction, RESS 1, was held last year and awarded supports to approximately 80 new onshore wind and solar projects. The second RESS auction, RESS 2, is planned to be held next year. My officials are working to finalise the auction design and my aim is to accelerate the current auction timetable and deliver a second onshore RESS auction.
My Department is also developing the first of a series of RESS auctions specific to offshore wind. The terms and conditions of this first auction, ORESS 1, will shortly be published for public consultation. At least two further offshore wind auctions are planned this decade to achieve our 2030 offshore targets.
13. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the involvement his Department will have in future developments across Ireland to ensure they are sustainable and climate conscious; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43721/21]
View answerMy Department is responsible for a range of policy area, including climate, environment, energy, the circular economy, natural resources, waste and communications.
The Climate Action and Low Carbon Development (Amendment) Act 2021 commits us to a 51% reduction in our overall greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 at the latest, and to achieving net zero emissions no later than 2050. This landmark legislation sets a legally-binding framework for Ireland to achieve the national climate objective of a transition to a climate resilient, biodiversity rich, environmentally sustainable and climate neutral economy by 2050 at the latest. Under the new legislation, my Department will prepare for Government a Climate Action Plan, which must be updated every year so that our actions keep step with the trajectory required to achieve our targets. In addition, a national long-term climate action strategy will be prepared at least every 5 years.
The Department will also have a lead role in transforming our energy sector to a high-renewable, low-carbon system. This will include achieving 70% renewable electricity through increased onshore and offshore wind, solar, microgeneration, and grid system infrastructure. We will also need to reduce the use of fossil fuels in our homes and make them more energy efficient. This will mean a large-scale roll-out of home retrofits and the installation of heat pumps.
The circular economy offers an alternative to today’s linear - ‘take-make-waste’ - model of production and consumption, in which we extract great quantities of natural resources to make things that we may use only once before throwing them away. In a circular economy, resources are kept in use for as long as possible, the maximum value is extracted from them while in use, then recovered and repurposed into new products and materials at the end of each lifecycle. The forthcoming All-of-Government Circular Economy Strategy and related legislation will provide an overall national policy framework for the circular transition and will include measures to improve Ireland’s circularity performance.
My Department is also supporting universal access to high-speed broadband for better connected communities with service providers properly regulated, and strengthened cyber security. A fully connected digital economy and society will enhance Ireland’s competitiveness, lead to the creation of more quality employment opportunities and provide a better quality of life for individuals, communities and businesses.
15. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on expected electricity demand and supply for winter 2021 following recent Eirgrid amber alerts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43419/21]
View answerThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has statutory responsibility, under S.I. 60 of 2005, to monitor and take measures necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply in Ireland. It is assisted in its statutory role by EirGrid which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the electricity transmission system. In relation to this winter, I understand that the key challenge relates to a number of power stations that are not currently in operation due to a combination of planned maintenance and unplanned outages. I am advised by the CRU that due to the expected return of two key gas-fired power stations by November, the outlook for the coming winter is improved.
More specific information in relation to the expected levels of electricity supply and demand for the coming winter will be set out in EirGrid's annual Winter Outlook publication, which I expect to be published in the coming weeks.
16. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on potential electricity outages in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44161/21]
View answerThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has statutory responsibility, under S.I. 60 of 2005, to monitor and take measures necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply in Ireland. It is assisted in its statutory role by EirGrid which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the electricity transmission system. The CRU has advised me that they have identified specific challenges to ensuring continued electricity security of supply, which they are currently in the process of addressing.
These challenges include lower than expected availability of some existing power stations; anticipated new power stations not being developed as planned; expected growth in demand for electricity including due to the growth of data centres; and the expected closure of power stations that make up approximately 25% of conventional electricity generation capacity over the coming years.
These challenges do pose an increased risk of the electricity system not being able to meet demand. However, to date, I would note that electricity customers have not been impacted. There is a range of actions being taken by the CRU and EirGrid to ensure this continues to be the case.
The actions being progressed include maximising the availability of existing generators; development of new generation capacity, including temporary generation capacity in advance of winter 2022; making changes to the grid connection rules for data centres; and working with large energy consumers to, where possible, reduce their electricity demand during peak periods.
In relation to this winter, I understand that the key challenge relates to a number of power stations that are not currently in operation due to a combination of planned maintenance and unplanned outages. I am advised by the CRU that due to the expected return of two key gas-fired power stations by November, the outlook for the coming winter is improved.
17. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the implementation of the National Broadband Plan in Dún Laoghaire; the delays that are expected as a result of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43720/21]
View answerThe National Broadband Plan (NBP) State led Intervention will be delivered by National Broadband Ireland (NBI) under a contract to roll out a high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area which covers 1.1 million people living and working in the over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools. The majority of premises in Dun Laoghaire are covered by commercial operators. There are over 600 premises in Dun Laoghaire located in the NBP Intervention Area which are covered by the Enniskerry Deployment Area. Surveying is underway in these areas and it is anticipated that they will be provided with access to high speed broadband under the National Broadband Plan in 2023.
While substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network resulting in delays on delivery of aspects of the programme. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract to address the impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic on the project for 2021. The impact on future years continues to be assessed. NBI is putting in place mitigation measures to address the impact of the pandemic on the programme to date. These include
- Increasing the rate of pole replacement and duct remediation per month
- Bringing in more resources to NBI
- Purchasing more materials earlier
- Bringing in more subcontractors
These measures are helping to address delays and ensure that the National Broadband Ireland's build programme gets back on track and is building momentum month on month.
I understand that commercial operators in Dun Laoghaire are also continuing to upgrade their broadband networks as part of ongoing work.
18. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the publication of the NESC Report No. 154 Digital Inclusion in Ireland: Connectivity, Devices and Skills. [33503/21]
View answerI welcome the recent publication of the NESC report Digital Inclusion in Ireland: Connectivity, Devices & Skills which recognises the opportunities of the increasing digitalisation of economic, social and cultural systems. The report also highlights that a number of sectors of society are assessed to be poorly engaged with digital technologies, including those persons who are older, have lower levels of education, lower incomes, and live in rural areas; as well as smaller businesses and farms. Digital inclusion is important to ensure that Ireland’s households, businesses and public sector are prepared for the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation. The report highlights the wide range of State policies focused on digital technologies as well as a range of State, business and community programmes and supports designed to bridge gaps in access to digital technologies by individuals and businesses.
Ensuring that everyone can fully participate in a digital society and economy requires a coordinated suite of actions across Government. The NESC report will help inform the new National Digital Strategy which is currently under development.
Access to reliable connectivity is a pre-requisite for inclusion. The National Broadband Plan (NBP), together with investment by commercial operators, will ensure that reliable high speed broadband connectivity will be available for every household and business in Ireland. The State led NBP intervention will deliver high speed and future proofed broadband network within the Intervention Area, which covers 1.1 million people living and working in over 544,000 premises, including almost 100,000 businesses and farms along with 695 schools.
19. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the steps he intends to take to ensure that no proposal for a LNG terminal will be developed in the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43673/21]
View answerThe Government's Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas was published in May of this year. This fulfilled a commitment set out in the Programme for Government. The policy statement provides that, pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems that is currently being carried out by my Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with. The review, which I expect to complete in the first half of next year, will be submitted to Government.
The policy statement was notified to An Bord Pleanala following its approval by Government. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, An Bord Pleanala is statutorily obliged to have regard to Government policy including the Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas.
I am aware of a recent application for such a project and I intend to make a submission to An Bord Pleanála setting out the Government policy in this regard.
20. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the commencement date of the feed-in tariff scheme for the national grid. [43479/21]
View answerThe Programme for Government commits to expanding and incentivising micro-generation to help people generate renewable electricity for their own use and sell excess electricity back to the grid.My Department outlined proposals for a new Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) in a public consultation that closed in February last. A summary report of the submissions received has been published on my Department's website.While the primary aim of a micro-generation scheme is to enable a household to meet its own electricity needs, it is intended that a suitable payment for excess electricity generated on site and exported to the grid will be available to all renewables self-consumers later this year, subject to regulatory arrangements, and in line with transposition of Articles 21 and 22 of the recast Renewable Energy Directive. My Department is engaging with the Office of Parliamentary Counsel on transposing these Articles into Irish law and it is envisaged that this will be achieved before year end 2021. It is expected that the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will publish a draft framework in the coming weeks which will outline the details, including eligibility criteria and timescales for introduction, of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) payment for exported renewable electricity. This framework will introduce an obligation on all electricity suppliers to offer remuneration to their customers, by way of a payment, for excess renewable electricity exported to the grid by eligible micro- and small-scale generators. This would give effect to the above-mentioned articles and allow for the commencement of export payments to micro- and small-scale generators, by their suppliers.
21. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he requested the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to issue a Ministerial policy directive as per section 29 of the Planning Act 2000 to An Bord Pleanála that reflected the Government’s policy statement on the importation of fracked gas which includes a moratorium on the development of LNG terminals pending the review of security of supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44121/21]
View answerThe Government's Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas was published in May of this year. This fulfilled a commitment set out in the Programme for Government. The policy statement provides that, pending the outcome of a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems that is currently being carried out by my Department, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with. The review, which I expect to complete in the first half of next year, will be submitted to Government.
The policy statement was notified to An Bord Pleanala by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage following its approval by Government. Under the Planning and Development Act 2000, An Bord Pleanala is statutorily obliged to have regard to Government policy including the Policy Statement on the Importation of Fracked Gas.
The policy statement did not set out the need for, and I did not request, the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to issue a directive under Section 29 of the Planning and Development Act 2000.
I am aware of a recent application for such a project and I intend to make a submission to An Bord Pleanála setting out the Government policy in this regard.
23. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will place a levy on construction and demolition waste under the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44125/21]
View answerThe Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, launched by Minister Ryan in September 2020, recognizes the vital importance of improving how waste arising from the construction and demolition (C&D) sector is managed, given that it is the largest waste stream in the EU and represents a huge cost and loss of value to the construction sector The Waste Action Plan, which has a dedicated chapter on construction and demolition waste, outlines a number of measures in this regard including:
- Continuing to promote best practice, track waste flows and strengthen enforcement as recommended by the Construction Waste Resource Group;
- C&D waste management plan guidelines will be updated and we will work with Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage to bring C&D waste ultimately within the framework of statutory planning guidelines;
- Continuing to work with relevant stakeholders to expand the inclusion of green criteria in procurement;
- Examining methods to encourage source segregation of waste materials which could include incentivised pricing or other financial instruments to support segregation; and
- Putting in place incentives to encourage the use of recycled materials including a possible levy on the use of virgin aggregates in construction projects, or build thresholds into Green Public Procurement.
24. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated total energy use in 2021 for all operational data centres in Ireland; the estimated amount by which it is expected to increase by 2030; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44231/21]
View answerIn 2020 Data Centres were approximately 11% of the total electricity used in Ireland.
EirGrid, in their Generation Capacity Statement 2020-2029, project that demand from data centres and other large energy users could account for 27% of all demand by 2029. Estimated data centre demand for 2021 will be set out in this year's Generation Capacity Statement. Earlier this year EirGrid carried out a public consultation on 'Shaping our Electricity Future'. The aim is to make the electricity grid stronger and more flexible so that it can carry significantly more renewable generation as well as meet increasing demand from high volume energy users such as data centres. This may include potential geographic restrictions or incentives of large demand customers closer to the generation of power, potentially giving a more regional balance of locations. Publication of the outcome of the consultation is expected later this year. In addition, in June 2021, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a proposed Direction to the electricity system operators related to Data Centre grid connection, for consultation. This included a number of options for managing data centre connection demand. A final decision will be issued by the Regulator in due course.
25. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the work underway in his Department to support the speed up the implementation of the National Broadband Plan; the position regarding Covid-19 and its impact on any penalties for delays in the implementation of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44224/21]
View answerWhile substantial progress has been made to date, the Covid 19 pandemic has had an impact on the delivery of the fibre network resulting in delays on delivery of aspects of the programme. Impacts include challenges with mobilisation of key contractors with restrictions on operations and supply chain and logistic delays, both nationally and internationally. In addition, there have been challenges with the recruitment of key personnel as NBI and its contractors scale up, including challenges associated with on-boarding and training people. Inevitably, like many other organisations, NBI and contractor staffs are at risk of contracting Covid 19 or may have had to restrict their movements as a result of being a close contact. My Department has worked closely with NBI to put in place a remedial plan under the Contract to address the impacts of the Covid 19 pandemic on the project for 2021. The impact on future years continues to be assessed. NBI is putting in place mitigation measures to address the impact of the pandemic on the programme to date. These include
- Increasing the rate of pole replacement and duct remediation per month
- Bringing in more resources to NBI
- Purchasing more materials earlier
- Bringing in more subcontractors
While delivery of the Programme is the responsibility of NBI under the Contract, my Department continues to monitor delivery very closely. In parallel with the ongoing oversight of the contract, my Department has also been working with the 31 Local Authorities, the County and City Management Agency (CCMA), the Roads Maintenance Office (RMO), Broadband Officers and other Government Departments, where appropriate, to ensure that any possible barriers that might delay the rollout are addressed as soon as possible. This also includes engagement with other bodies such as Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Irish Rail and ComReg.
The contract makes provision for dealing with delays to delivery of the network arising from unprecedented events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and NBI can seek additional time to meet contract milestones. In those circumstances no penalties would apply. In other circumstances, the contract provides that penalty provisions relating to delays to delivery of the network are applicable with respect to any delays that occur from the end of contract year 2 (i.e. from 1 February 2022).
