Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
116. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will clarify the state of affairs at Huntstown power station operated by an organisation (details supplied); if another company can provide details; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43716/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Huntstown Power station includes two existing Combined cycle gas turbineswhich provide electricity generation for the Irish grid. The generation units have a capacity of 337MW & 408MW respectively which is a substantial proportion of the dispatchable generation capacity of Ireland.
With respect to temporary generation, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) currently has a programme of work underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The actions include procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of forthcoming capacity auctions, extending the availability of existing generation capacity, additional use of grid-scale batteries and improved demand side measures.
As part of this work programme, the CRU has directed, with my consent, EirGrid the Transmission System Operator to source and deliver temporary generation capacity to remain available until the necessary replacement capacity has been secured. My Department has no role in the selection of suitable candidates for the delivery of this generation. Grid connection policy is a matter for CRU in its role as the independent energy regulator.
