The National Energy Security Framework, published in April 2022, is a response to the challenges of ensuring the ongoing and long-term security of affordable energy supply. The Framework provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It coordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘Whole-of Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability. As stated in the National Energy Security Framework, my Department is carrying out a review of the energy security of Ireland's gas and electricity systems for delivery in Q3 2022. The review is considering the risks to both natural gas and electricity supplies, and a range of measures, including the need for additional capacity to import energy, energy storage, fuel diversification and renewable gases (such as hydrogen).
The underpinning analysis is now being updated to, amongst other things, reflect changing circumstances following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The war has highlighted key dependencies in our energy system which can no longer be relied on and has led to affordability issues for many consumers and businesses.