Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 January 2023
121. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will ensure gas demand reduction measures are prioritised in the energy security review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1674/23]
View answerThe review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems is focused on the period to 2030, but in the context of ensuring a sustainable transition to 2050. The review is considering risks to both natural gas and electricity supplies, and the range of measures required to address these risks. This includes the need for additional capacity of indigenous renewable energy and also the need to import energy, energy storage, fuel diversification and renewable gases, such as hydrogen.
The review set out a range of options for consideration and demand side response is part of those options. For example, the Gas Mitigation Package includes gas storage, renewable gas, green hydrogen and demand side response, and similarly, the Electricity Mitigation Package includes demand side management and batteries. The consultation document has also highlighted that the most secure energy is the energy that we do not use and therefore, energy efficiency should always form part of our response to energy security.
Once the review of the security of supply of Ireland’s electricity and gas systems has been completed, I will bring a set of recommendations to Government for consideration.
