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Energy Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 April 2022

Thursday, 7 April 2022

Ceisteanna (120, 130, 139, 153)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

120. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures he plans to take to secure Ireland’s energy supply in view of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18301/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Alan Farrell

Ceist:

130. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding energy security and market stability in view of the war in Ukraine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18872/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

139. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will outline how secure Irish energy systems are. [18485/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Michael Creed

Ceist:

153. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the position regarding the issue of energy security in view of recent geopolitical events including the invasion of Ukraine and Ireland’s excessive dependence on imported natural gas from Russia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12224/22]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 120, 130, 139 and 153 together.

The RePowerEU Plan, launched by the European Commission on 8 March 2022, sets out an approach to make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels well before 2030 in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This communication sets out new actions to ramp up the production of green energy, diversify supplies and reduce demand, focusing primarily on gas, which significantly influences the electricity market and where the global market is less liquid. Ireland will work closely with the European Commission and Member States to deliver upon this ambition.  

In the immediate term, Ireland is  continuing to monitor international gas and oil energy markets and to consult with its EU and international partners on appropriate measures, if necessary, to ensure energy security in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The European Commission is engaging with other countries to ensure sufficient and timely supply of natural gas to the EU from diverse sources across the globe to avoid supply shocks, including those that could result from disruptions.

The crisis in Ukraine has brought into sharp focus the EU and Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuel imports. We must continue to accelerate the clean energy transition, focussing on energy efficiency and renewable energies. The best way to secure our energy needs is to continue to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Climate Action Plan 2021 sets us on a pathway to reduce our reliance on imported fossil fuels dramatically by 2030.

My Department is carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. This review is being carried out for the period to 2030, in the context of net zero emissions by no later than 2050. This includes examining potential risks and potential mitigating options for such risks.

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