Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:67. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will consider introducing a RESS auction for multi-day energy storage. [23605/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 11 May 2022
Ceisteanna (67)
Freagraí scríofa
Within the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), some storage potential has already been catered for in the design of the RESS 2 Terms and Conditions. Under RESS 2, a ‘Hybrid’ category has been included which provides support for co-located renewable generators and storage facilities. 'Eligible technologies' include provisions for: wind and solar; wind and storage; and solar and storage. These variations were based on the pipeline of projects under the grid offer process, the Enduring Connection Policy, ECP 2.1 and ECP 2.2. Other variations will be considered for future auctions.
The variability challenge posed by renewable energy creates the need for a range of technological interventions. Storage technology, alongside demand-side response and interconnection, will be key as Ireland seeks to increase its share of renewable electricity up to 80 per cent by 2030.
The Climate Action Plan 2021 recognises the important role of energy storage, including long-duration storage, in facilitating the transition to higher levels of renewable energy on the system. The Department for the Environment, Climate and Communications has committed to developing a storage policy that supports the 2030 CAP targets with a decision to be published early next year. In combination, the CRU will be reviewing the regulatory treatment of storage, including licensing, charging and market incentives, which is to be completed by the end of 2023.