Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Gas Networks Ireland's Vision 2050: Discussion

Mr. Denis O'Sullivan:

Yes, if it is done in combination with other technologies. We are fully supportive of the roll-out of wind and solar energy and all the other renewable energies, but we must bear in mind that electricity currently represents 20% of our energy demand, with the potential to go up to 30% through increases in electricity usage in transport and heating. That leaves 70% of our energy requirements today essentially not being addressed. This is the area on which we are focusing. Our view is that in combination with the other technologies, including wind and solar, we can play a significant role. We have given a figure based on calculations which assume that we will roll out the level of renewable gas we have spoken about, including CNG, CCS, and hydrogen, which can take it further again.

We believe that we can contribute to a 30% reduction, which is very significant. Ireland's natural gas is 30% of Ireland's primary energy mix. If, by 2050, we can have 50% of that provided by renewable gas and hydrogen, with the other 50% abated-----