John Lahart
Question:58. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the action that is being taken to improve Ireland’s energy security. [53746/22]
View answerWednesday, 26 October 2022
Questions (58)
Written answers
The National Energy Security Framework (NESF) provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It co-ordinates 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. The Framework takes into account the need to decarbonise our society and economy as set out in recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Ireland’s targets to reduce emissions by 51% over the decade to 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050 as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021.
The Commission of Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of electricity supply, has the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take sure measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. It is assisted in its role by EirGrid and my Department.
The CRU currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. Margins are expected to 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.
As part of its review of security of supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas system, my Department has launched a public consultation seeking views from interested parties. The review examines measures Ireland can take to mitigate potential risks including additional capacity to import energy, energy storage, fuel diversification and renewable gases. The review is currently open to consultation for views by interested parties.