Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 February 2022
94. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the role he envisages for natural gas as an energy source to 2030 and beyond; the consequences in this regard for declining domestic production and consequent excessive dependence on gas imports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6052/22]
View answerMy Department is carrying out a review of security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems focussing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to net zero emissions by 2050.
The review 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. I expect the technical analysis will be published and the public consultation commenced by mid-year.
The best way to secure our energy needs is to continue to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Climate Action Plan 2021 sets us on a pathway to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels dramatically by 2030. Measures include the following:
- Aiming for up to 80% of our electricity coming from renewable sources by 2030, including an increased target of up to 5 GW of offshore wind, 8 GW from onshore wind, and 1.5-2.5 GW from solar PV.
- 500,000 extra walking, cycling and public transport journeys per day by 2030.
- Increasing the proportion of kilometres driven by passenger electric cars to between 40% and 45% by 2030, in addition to a reduction of 10% in kilometres driven by the remaining internal combustion engine cars.
- A new National Home Energy Upgrade Scheme providing increased grant levels of up to 50% of the cost of a typical deep retrofit to a B2 BER standard.
