Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
81. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures that are being taken to reduce electricity and gas consumption where possible this winter to protect the national supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42895/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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. The RePowerEU Plan launched by the European Commission on 8 March 2022 sets out a plan 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.
The National Energy Security Framework sets out Ireland’s response to our energy security needs in the context of the invasion of Ukraine and our specific national circumstances. The Framework sets out Ireland's response across a number of themes including "Reducing our dependency on imported fossil fuels". A number of specific measures have been put in place to deliver upon this ambition across heating, retrofitting, the public sector and the roll-out of the smart meter programme.
A public information campaign - Reduce Your Use - is being delivered to inform the public about the actions they can take to contribute to the national effort to reduce demand for energy and save money. The campaign will empower people to reduce their energy use and encourage long-term sustainable behaviour.
