Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 September 2021
16. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on potential electricity outages in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44161/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has statutory responsibility, under S.I. 60 of 2005, to monitor and take measures necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply in Ireland. It is assisted in its statutory role by EirGrid which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the electricity transmission system. The CRU has advised me that they have identified specific challenges to ensuring continued electricity security of supply, which they are currently in the process of addressing.
These challenges include lower than expected availability of some existing power stations; anticipated new power stations not being developed as planned; expected growth in demand for electricity including due to the growth of data centres; and the expected closure of power stations that make up approximately 25% of conventional electricity generation capacity over the coming years.
These challenges do pose an increased risk of the electricity system not being able to meet demand. However, to date, I would note that electricity customers have not been impacted. There is a range of actions being taken by the CRU and EirGrid to ensure this continues to be the case.
The actions being progressed include maximising the availability of existing generators; development of new generation capacity, including temporary generation capacity in advance of winter 2022; making changes to the grid connection rules for data centres; and working with large energy consumers to, where possible, reduce their electricity demand during peak periods.
In relation to this winter, I understand that the key challenge relates to a number of power stations that are not currently in operation due to a combination of planned maintenance and unplanned outages. I am advised by the CRU that due to the expected return of two key gas-fired power stations by November, the outlook for the coming winter is improved.
