Mr. Jerry McEvilly:

I thank the Chairman for the opportunity to present to the committee today on behalf of Friends of the Earth. The committee's focus on energy challenges is welcome and all the more pertinent in light of the horrendous Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the necessity to phase out Russian oil and gas, and fossil fuels more broadly. I will start by discussing the framing of energy security and the importance of climate-proofing our energy security response.

I will address risks regarding fossil gas dependency and necessary energy efficiency measures. My written submission contains further recommendations and notes previous research on the Government's energy security review by the Stop Climate Chaos coalition.

My central message is that the Government must immediately progress a policy framework that ends Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels, and reducing gas demand in particular must be prioritised as both a climate and national security measure. On climate action, our climate obligations necessitate the rapid phase-out of fossil fuels. It is not acceptable for anyone to merely state that fossil methane gas is needed for when the wind does not blow and the sun does not shine. It is evidently the case that gas represents a significant element of Ireland’s fuel mix, but the question is how we can get to a secure zero-carbon system as quickly as possible. When it comes to descriptions of gas as a transition fuel, talk is cheap. As noted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, in its recent national heat study, a timeline and plan for fossil fuel phase-out must urgently be put in place if we are to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. I strongly recommend the committee examines the SEAI's heat study.

I refer to the Government's ongoing energy security review. Energy security and sustainability must not be treated as mutually exclusive or competing aims. In 2019, when the then Minister, Deputy Richard Bruton, initiated the review it was noted as a review of "security and sustainability of Ireland's energy supply". It is essential that the review actively integrates climate objectives. This means that any consideration of energy infrastructure must start with the question as to how it will support the decarbonisation of the energy system, in accordance with climate targets.

It is striking that much of the commentary on gas security tends to ignore the primary piece of infrastructure, which has guaranteed that security for decades at considerable expense, namely the twinned gas pipeline system linking Ireland, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man with the GB gas system at Moffat in Scotland. The GB gas market is one of the most developed markets with the majority gas supplies coming from the North Sea. The UK also receives gas imports via liquefied natural gas, LNG, terminals and from the Continent, giving it and by extension Ireland a diversity of gas sources. This secure integration to such a major gas hub greatly mitigates Ireland’s security of supply risks, in comparison with many other European countries. Moreover, only about 4% of UK supplies come from Russia. The UK Government has recently stated it is confident that North Sea supplies, as well as renewables and nuclear, can offset the phase-out of Russian gas.

On fossil gas dependency, a core message for members today is that more gas does not simply equate to more security. Our over-reliance on fossil fuels, in particular gas, is a security risk and it is essential the Oireachtas addresses it as such. The Government introduced a policy statement, which provides for a moratorium on LNG and fracked gas imports pending the outcome of the energy security review. The Minister, Deputy Eamon Ryan, has been clear that he does not believe LNG will be necessary for energy security and the Tánaiste has underlined that the right investment in north Kerry is in renewables and green hydrogen, not LNG. We see no reason for any change in the Government's position.

We note media reports that the energy security review will consider a State-owned terminal, as a commercial terminal is dependent on increased gas demand associated with unsustainable data centre development. However, Friends of the Earth does not consider that Ireland should risk reliance on LNG given our climate obligations, carbon leakage, as well as human rights and environmental impacts. LNG would deepen Ireland’s import dependency and increase exposure to geopolitical disruptions and increasing gas prices. An LNG terminal would take years to be operational and securing shipments during a gas market crunch would not be guaranteed. For these reasons, the committee should examine LNG in detail, including how the current moratorium can be made permanent. The best way for this to be progressed is through further consideration of Deputy Hourigan’s Planning and Development (Liquefied Natural Gas - LNG) (Amendment) Bill and we, therefore, recommend that all parties support a Second Stage vote in favour of the Bill.

On gas-fired generation risks, it is important that we differentiate between security of the electricity system and security of gas supply. This distinction may be evident to everyone here, however, Friends of the Earth is concerned by misleading conflation of these challenges by certain commentators. To put it simply, the sudden arrival of more gas through an LNG terminal tomorrow would not alter current challenges with the electricity system. I hasten to add that the electricity and gas security cannot be entirely divorced either, however, near-term pressures on the electricity system, primarily caused by an aging gas plant, must not be used as an excuse to lock in more gas supplies.

Increasing interdependence of the gas and electricity systems constitutes a security risk. We are not clear on how a proposed new gas plant may be used less, especially given that it is in the interest of certain players to ensure they are used to the maximum extent. Proposed new gas-fired generation is significantly driven by projected major increases in data centres. The MaREI in University College Cork recently highlighted that pausing new data centre connections would avoid the equivalent of 750,000 barrels of oil.

My written statement addresses Gas Networks Ireland's role and stranded asset and moral hazard risks regarding new gas plants. It also addresses the potential for gas-fired generation to crowd out zero-carbon measures. The committee should recommend that the Government address such risks as part of the energy security review.

The Government must focus on energy efficiency measures, as they will permanently enhance our national security, reduce emissions and protect households from rising energy costs. In essence, we need to plug the hole when it comes to energy, not demand a bigger fossil fuel tap. As the International Energy Agency, IEA, has highlighted, the most secure gas molecule is one that is not needed. In other words, avoiding gas dependency and reducing gas demand is the most impactful response.

Friends of the Earth asks that the committee makes proposals. First, the SEAI has already recommended that the phase-out of fossil fuel heating systems must speed up immediately. We recommend a ban on the installation of gas boilers in new homes this year, not next year as noted in the climate action plan. We must go further. No fossil fuel boilers should be installed in renovated buildings by 2025.

Second, in the immediate term, Government plans to support 27,000 energy upgrades should be increased to closer to 100,000, including by temporarily delaying deep retrofit investment if necessary. To ensure that as many households as possible are shielded from the worst effects of the gas crisis this winter, the new 80% grant for attic and cavity wall installation should be increased to 100%, especially for those at risk of or suffering from fuel poverty. Retrofitting targets for local authority and social housing must also increase.

Third, we need to end long-standing Government obstacles to solar panels. The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has failed to progress the necessary updating of planning regulations for solar panels for three years. For the past year, the Minister of State has said that the final step is a necessary public consultation on a strategic environmental assessment. However, the Department has failed to launch the consultation for months and has issued largely the same response for the past year. This knowing failure to progress such a simple measure beggars believe. My written statement addresses other responses, including revising mandates of public bodies, a national winter-ready campaign and revising VAT on energy efficiency materials.

I urge the committee to be clear that energy security and sustainability go hand in hand and are best achieved by cutting fossil fuel use and reducing energy consumption. I do not underestimate the immense challenge. However, if now is not the time for the Oireachtas to demand far-sighted measures to reduce our fossil fuel dependency, then when is? I thank the committee.