Mr. Dara Lynott:

Our study, completed by MaREI, looked at 2030 and stated it was possible but there were many caveats and challenges. The number one challenge, identified by the Deputy, is the connection. The study assumes the North-South interconnector will be operational, as current documents suggest, by 2024. It also assumes the Celtic and Greenlink interconnectors will be operational. It is an absolute necessity that they are. It is important for the North of Ireland's security of supply and it is also important if we are to grow our renewables.

Our study also indicated gas would still be on the system in 2030, but with 20% fewer hours. Some types of gas generation will be operating on minimum generation for nearly a third of those hours. Gas will be used quite a bit less but, nonetheless, it will still very much be a requirement of the system by 2030.

There will have to be a rapid move to either zero carbon backup generation or negative carbon backup generation post 2030. Again, those technologies need to be studied, evaluated and a cost-benefit analysis undertaken to determine which is the best technology on an all-island basis for Ireland.

Microgeneration will happen. It is a citizen's right, according to the clean energy package. Suppliers are very supportive of the role. It will be a significant win for homeowners as they get to consume up to 60% of what they generate. However, we are awaiting legislation from the Department that will bring this into play. The sooner suppliers get that the better, because IT systems and billing systems all have to be put in place to ensure that customers, who are the microgenerators, have a very good service from their suppliers, which can be trusted and can assure them of getting a very good service for their electricity supply.