Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2019
562. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will direct ESB Networks and EirGrid to deploy additional resources to connect renewable generators to the grid faster in view of the fact that a climate emergency has been declared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22120/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra563. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will direct all parties involved to speed up the allocation of grid capacity for renewable generators in view of the fact that a climate emergency has been declared; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22121/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 562 and 563 together.
The declaration of a climate and biodiversity emergency by the Dáil on 9 May underlines the importance of the work currently under way to develop a new All of Government Climate Action Plan.
The challenge is such that a significant step-up in policy ambition and delivery is required by all sectors, to ensure that we at least meet our 2030 targets and get on a clear pathway to meeting our 2050 objectives. In the electricity sector, this will require a major upscaling of capacity in terms of connecting renewable generation to the grid and a range of actions will be included in the forthcoming Plan. The Plan will set out how this Government intends to make Ireland climate resilient across our entire society. This will involve setting climate goals in all key sectors, including electricity, agriculture, transport and industry. It will have a strong focus on implementation, including clear timelines and steps needed to achieve each action.
Furthermore, the new Framework will set out clear actions required to achieve the ambition of meeting 70% of energy demand from renewable sources by 2030. The management of connections to the electricity grid, including processes and connection charging rules, is a matter for EirGrid and ESB Networks under rules determined by the Commission for Regulation Utilities (CRU), which is an independent statutory body. It will be critical that the regulatory framework including network development, operation and delivery plans for connecting renewable energy sources are adequate to deliver on the 2030 70% RES-E ambition.
