Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
229. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications when the consultation on private wires direct line renewables will be released; his Department’s plans for the consultation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29927/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra230. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if direct line renewables have value in addressing the challenges caused by the projected rise in electricity demand by large energy users such as data centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29928/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 229 and 230 together. I propose to take Question Nos 229 and 230 together.The Climate Action Plan 2021 includes a commitment to review the policy position on the development of private networks/direct lines (Action 115). A consultation paper on policy options for private wires was due to be published in Q1 of this year. Unfortunately, this work is currently delayed, and a date has not yet been set for when this consultation will issue. However, I appreciate that private wires/direct lines are an issue that is of interest and importance to many stakeholders. Publishing a consultation and, ultimately, providing a clear policy position on the issue of private networks/direct lines is a priority for the Department. The specific role that direct line renewables could play in helping to meet the projected increase in electricity demand from data centres in Ireland will ultimately depend on the outcome of this review. However, Government is already taking a number of steps to help address these challenges. For example, the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is currently reviewing the 2018 'Government Statement on the Role of Data Centres in Ireland's Enterprise Strategy' to align with our renewable energy targets, sectoral emission ceilings and security of supply. This is part of a suite of actions included in the Climate Action Plan 2021 to ensure that Ireland is planning appropriately for new energy demand in the context of our electrification and decarbonisation ambitions, while facilitating growth in digitalisation and our technology sector. My Department has been engaging with officials in the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, as well as relevant state agencies, on the development of this revised Statement to ensure that there is a plan-led, regionally balanced approach to large developments such as data centres, taking into account congestion, existing grid availability and the opportunity to co-locate significant renewable energy opportunities.
