Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2023
32. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the reason he has not published the review of security of energy supply; how long since he received the first draft of the report; when he will publish the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50280/23]
View answerI assume the review referred to in the question is the "Independent Review on the Security of Electricity Supply" by Dermot McCarthy. The independent review by Mr Dermot McCarthy into the circumstances requiring emergency measures to be introduced to secure electricity supply was received in January this year. Following consideration of the review and the ongoing development of further energy security analysis by officials in my Department, it was decided to publish the McCarthy report as a pillar for the overall Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 Report (Energy Security Package).
The McCarthy review recommendations inform the actions in the Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 Report that I launched on the 14th of November.
The Energy Security in Ireland Strategy represents a major milestone in the State’s approach to ensuring energy security to 2030. Ireland is in the middle of a profound change to our energy system as we transition to meeting the majority of our energy needs through renewable energy. This is a huge opportunity for Ireland – economically and socially.
The document contains 28 key actions covering renewables, enhancing resilience, strengthened risk management, flexible energy demand, and specific actions for the gas, oil, and electricity sectors. These actions will be implemented in line with our European and climate commitments.
The report has several conclusions:
• Ireland’s future energy supply will be more secure by moving to an electricity-led system.
• A commitment to continue to deliver on existing plans, particularly on rollout of renewables, demand-side flexibility, interconnection, and storage.
• Balancing sustainable gas demand and supply: While gas supplies and infrastructure are adequate to meet our demand projections, there are risks in the event of disruption to infrastructure. To reduce reliance on gas imports, we will reduce natural gas demand and develop renewable, indigenous gas supply and renewable gas-compatible storage. As a transitional measure, we will introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs. Based on the preliminary analysis of the Department (DECC) it is anticipated that a floating reserve (FSRU) will best meet the criteria set by the Government today, a solution preferred by a range of EU states. This will be examined by Gas Networks Ireland and a detailed proposal will return to Government for final approval in 2024.
• Back-up reserves and distribution plans in case of an oil emergency are sufficient. Into the future, we need to ensure commercial oil supplies into the State will be robust, along with the infrastructure for distribution. Over time, oil demand will be reduced.
• Maintaining a strong focus on anticipating risks and good governance to ensure delivery, robust risk management and adequate resources.
“Energy Security in Ireland to 2030” represents more than two years of engagement across government, the energy sector, the voluntary sector, in the EU, and internationally. Key inputs into the review also included a wide-ranging public consultation with more than 450 participants, an external review of gas security of supply mitigation options, and a review of Ireland’s Security of Electricity Supply carried out by Mr Dermott McCarthy.
I would like to thank all who have contributed to this important policy document. The full text of "Energy Security in Ireland to 2030" as well as supplementary analysis and reviews can be accessed at gov.ie - Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 (www.gov.ie)
