Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
629. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the peak time electricity generating capacity; the excess requirement for continuity and security purposes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37859/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra632. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the highest demand for electricity recorded in the past five years; the extent to which this demand is likely to fluctuate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37862/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 629 and 632 together.
EirGrid, the National Transmission System Operator (TSO) advises that the current peak generating capacity (excluding wind generation, and interconnector flows) is 6764MW. There are currently 3367MW of wind generation installed. The output from wind turbines is intermittent, and cannot be fully relied upon from a system security viewpoint.
In general terms, an excess of about 10-15% of installed generation over peak demand would allow the adequacy standard to be met, allowing for scheduled and forced outages of generation and transmission constraints. Ireland currently has a surplus of generation.
In respect of the highest demand for electricity recorded in the past five years, EirGrid has advised that this was 4917MW. Fluctuations in demand will be influenced by new customers connecting on to the grid, which includes demographic growth and industry demand.
Further details in relation to generation capacity can be found in EirGrid’s Generation Capacity Statement which is published on an annual basis and can be found on EirGrid’s website www.eirgridgroup.com.
Live and historical electricity demand figures can be observed on EirGrid’s SmartGrid dashboard, available at http://smartgriddashboard.eirgrid.com/#all.
Electricity demand in Ireland has begun to grow once more following a sharp decline due to the economic downturn in 2008. Electricity demand growth has many contributing factors, including population growth and economic growth with exceptional demand arising from time to time due to the effects of weather. To consider Ireland's future energy needs, EirGrid is currently working through an assessment of a number of future energy scenarios under a project entitled Tomorrow's Energy Scenarios, considering a large number of variables including population and economic activity, the electrification of heating and transport, the roll-out of smart meters, and the increase in demand side management in the residential and commercial sectors. Details are available at www.eirgridgroup.com/customer-and-industry/energy-future/.
