Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 September 2023
127. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will address the delay in the supply of energy report which is overdue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40784/23]
View answerThe Department is currently finalising the Energy Security Package which will address the energy security challenges facing Ireland, focused on the period to 2030, but in the broader context of transitioning Ireland to net-zero by 2050.
The Government’s policy objectives are to ensure energy is affordable, sustainable and secure, as well as in line with Ireland’s climate targets and statutory carbon budgets. Underpinned by these objectives, the energy security of supply review considered the risks to both natural gas, electricity and oil supplies, and a range of mitigation measures, including the need for additional capacity of indigenous renewable energy but also energy imports, energy storage, fuel diversification, demand side response and renewable gases (such as hydrogen).
To support its development, a detailed technical analysis has been published and an extensive consultation process carried out, providing important insights from over 450 individuals and organisations on the range of options that could be implemented to support Ireland’s security of supply framework. The McCarthy Review into Security of Supply of the Electricity System (the McCarthy Report) has been a further key input informing the analysis and will be published alongside the completion of the review.
The completion of the review is a key priority and I have committed to bring my energy security recommendations to Government for consideration in the coming weeks.
