Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 November 2023
117. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide further details on the proposed locations for floating storage and regasification units currently under review by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52088/23]
View answerThe 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' report, its supporting Annexes and work programme of 28 actions was published on 14 November, following approval by Government. The comprehensive report concludes that Ireland’s future energy will be secure by moving from a fossil fuel-based energy system to an electricity-led system, maximising our renewable energy potential, flexibility and being integrated into Europe’s energy systems.
With regard to gas, the report determines that Ireland’s natural gas supplies and infrastructure are adequate to meet our demand projections, but Ireland does not have adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports. 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 preliminary analysis by my Department, it is anticipated that in terms of delivery options, a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve provided through a storage and importation facility — an FSRU — as the most appropriate approach. The appropriate location for a FRSU will need to have:
• access to the gas network
• a coastal site suitable for development
• sheltered deep-sea access
• ensure that the receiving environment is capable of accommodating the required infrastructure, having regard to environmental considerations
• proximity to high energy use clusters and future hydrogen production should also be considered and would be a further advantage
As a final part of the review of Ireland’s energy security, my Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve which will include consideration of proposed locations which meet the required site conditions. I will return to Government for a final decision on this in Q2 2024.
