Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 December 2022
105. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the way that the current cold snap informs the Government of energy security and grid capability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62785/22]
View answerEirGrid manage the electricity system on a 24/7 basis ensuring that electricity supply is matched to meet the demand at all times of the day. The cold weather this past week has put the power system under pressure – each drop in degree increases electricity demand significantly. The cold weather has also coincided with a period of low wind. EirGrid have a system in place to manage tight margins between supply and demand in order to maintain power supply across the island. Demand for electricity reached an all time peak on Monday 13th of December but EirGrid and ESB Networks managed that demand with the support of generators across the system. Demand is expected to remain high for the rest of the week as the cold weather continues. The situation is being closely and continually monitored by officials in my Department and EirGrid who are attending the National Emergency Co-ordination group on a daily basis.
Margins between supply and demand are forecasted to remain tight during the winter period to March 2023, especially on days with low wind generation and interconnection support from the UK. Last week coinciding with the recent temperature drop and increased peak demand, ESB Networks activated its ‘Beat the Peak’ programme for the first-time . The Government’s ‘Reduce Your use’ campaign provides information on behavioural change and implementing a range of measures to lower energy consumption and costs for households and businesses across winter. Ireland currently relies on import of fossil fuels for 72% of our energy needs. Delivering on the Sectoral Emission Ceilings for the Electricity Sector and specifically the transformation to 80% of demand for electricity from renewable sources by 2030 will increase our energy security by reducing risks to price, sustainability and supply of energy.
