Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 14 September 2022
107. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the extent to which provision is being made to ensure the continuity of electricity supplies during the forthcoming winter; if all available wind farms are connected or will be connected to the grid on-time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44896/22]
View answerThe Commission of Regulation of Utilities, which has a statutory responsibility to ensure security of supply, currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The Security of Supply Programme of Actions, published in September 2021, contains a number of both demand-side and supply-side mitigation measures to address the forecasted shortfall. These actions include; procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions; procuring additional temporary generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; additional use of grid-scale batteries; and improved demand side measures. On 27 June 2022, the CRU published an update on the actions within the programme and this is available on their website.
Margins will remain tight during this coming winter period (2022/2023). The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement additional appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks during this winter and lower peak demand during this period.
EirGrid and ESB Networks project that the volume of new renewable generators connecting to the grid this year will surpass previous annual connection rates and it is critical that this pace of delivery continues.
