Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2024
161. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he has intentions to implement an enhanced emissions reporting framework and price incentivisation for large energy users to encourage them to participate in flexible demand initiatives designed to shift electricity consumption to times when emissions are low; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22565/24]
View answerAs set out in the Climate Action Plan 2024, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland is developing an enhanced emissions reporting framework for electricity emissions for Large Energy Users. The purpose of this framework is to facilitate reduced carbon intensity across Large Energy Users’ demand profile and promote grid efficiency. A report is expected from SEAI in Q3 2024. My Department is liaising with the SEAI on the development of this framework.
Alongside this framework, the Commission for the Regulation of Utilities (CRU) are developing a National Energy Demand Side Strategy (NEDS), with the aim of 20% to 30% of electricity demand to be flexible by 2030. As we move to higher levels of renewable energy sources it will be necessary for electricity demand to become much more flexible to match when renewable electricity is plentiful, and prices are at their lowest. Large Energy Users will be expected to make up a higher proportional contribution to the NEDS target, as they are making up a high proportion of the increase in electricity demand.
As part of the National Energy Demand Strategy, the CRU is also currently reviewing its Large Energy Users connection policy. The aim of this review is to provide a new pathway for Large Energy Users to connect to the electricity and gas systems, that minimises the impact on national carbon emissions while also taking account of the capacity of our energy and grid infrastructure. Decision papers for the NEDS and Large Energy Users connection policy are expected in 2024.
