Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The deployment of battery technology for EV charging Infrastructure needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis. There are advantages and disadvantages to using battery technology and at this time, it has not been used on a widespread basis across the UK and Europe.

There are potential cases identified where this technology could be used as follows:

• where there are electrical capacity restrictions in remote areas and where a charging need has been identified
• at locations where significant capacity is required and battery backup and storage will reduce the size of the grid connection needed

There is also developing potential for use of battery backup technology to “shave” the peak off the grid.

Other considerations regarding this technology include:

• Cost analysis of battery backup technology as currently the capital costs associated with the technology are significantly higher in some cases
• Utilisation and noise in relation to the optimum location for the battery backup technology

The National Road Network EV Charging Plan which will be published in May 2024 and the Regional and Local EV Charging Network Plan which will also be published for public consultation in May. Both plans allow for innovative solutions such as battery backup technology to be considered when designing optimum solutions for EV Infrastructure.

Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) is currently looking at options for pilot projects to install battery backup technology to monitor performance in remote areas, which may have seasonal peaks and warrant the need for a DC charger on a smaller connection.

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Government is fully committed to supporting a significant expansion of the electric vehicle charging network over the coming years. Having an effective and reliable charging network is an essential part of enabling drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.

The EV Charging infrastructure Strategy 2022-2025 sets out the government’s ambition regarding the delivery of a public EV charging network to support up to 195,000 electric cars and vans by the middle of the decade.

In relation to the grid, Zero Emissions Vehicles Ireland (ZEVI) continues to work closely with ESB Networks, a key member of the ZEVI Assurance Board and Progress Group. This partnership is integral to ZEVI's mission, as ESB Networks offers support, provides constructive feedback, and expert advice on ZEVI activities.

ZEVI will continue to work closely with ESB Networks to support their work to identify and if possible, reduce barriers to grid connection for EV charging; however, issues regarding the national electricity grid and connections rest with EirGrid and ESB Networks.

EirGrid and ESB Networks are independent of the Minister in the exercise of their respective functions. EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, has responsibility for the development of the Transmission Network and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, has responsibility for the development of the Distribution Network.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 (ERA) and subsequent legislation. The CRU is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister.