Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
80. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that are being taken to prepare for potential gas shortages this winter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42892/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Energy Security Framework, which was approved by Government and published in April 2022, sets out Ireland’s response to our energy security needs in the context of the invasion of Ukraine and our specific national circumstances. Within that framework, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities has the role of overseeing emergency planning, along with having statutory responsibility to ensure security of electricity supply, which includes the operation of the Gas and Electricity Emergency Planning Group and the Gas and Electricity Emergency Response Teams.
As part of our work under the Framework, Ireland has been engaging with other Member States on energy security through the formal EU bodies, including the European Energy Council, the Gas Coordination Group and the Electricity Coordination Group.
Gas supplies from Russia to Europe have been severely reduced over the last year and continue to be a cause for concern for Europe’s energy security. The continued supply of natural gas to Ireland has not to date, been reduced or interrupted as a result of the war in Ukraine. Ireland imports around three quarters of its natural gas from the UK with the remainder from the Corrib field. The UK has a diverse supply of gas including indigenous UK gas, Norwegian gas, Liquefied Natural Gas terminals in the UK, gas storage and via interconnectors with Belgium and the Netherlands. However, it is important we are prepared for every eventuality.
The National Energy Security Framework highlights the need to “review and test oil, natural gas and electricity emergency plans and procedures against scenarios of escalating severity in the context of the war in Ukraine and its impacts”. An oil emergency exercise was performed in May 2022, and separate gas and electricity emergency plans are tested on an annual basis. This year a coordinated gas and electricity emergency plan is being tested which includes oil due to its important role as a secondary fuel for gas-fired generation plants.
