Mr. Dara Lynott:

The Senator reminded me of something else she mentioned. Our study did not indicate one way or the other for hydrogen or carbon capture and storage. It just outlined that in 2030, there is an expectation the 30% will still be provided by about the same amount of gas as we have now, except it will operate for 20% fewer hours and operate for significant periods of time on minimum generation.

To get beyond and move to zero carbon or negative carbon backup generation, and batteries are important, the technology is not ripe. Our study looked at two of the front runners. Those were hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. There are some novel technologies such as synchronous condensers. We are technology-neutral and represent the whole value chain. Therefore, we are not proponents of either hydrogen or carbon capture and storage. However, it would seem that when our study reviewed all the pathways to net zero, those two technologies seemed to be in all of those pathways. From an all-island perspective, and we are an all-island body, our view is that some time and effort need to be put into studying these options and the cost-benefit analysis and determining what is best for Ireland or what types of technology, solution or outcome would be best in order that the regulator looks for a particular outcome and then allows industry to put forward solutions and investment that will bring about that outcome. Our view would be that we should rule nothing in and nothing out but see what is the best-value solution to achieve the outcome, namely, to back up renewables. It may be hydrogen, carbon capture, synchronous condensers or long-term storage. Those studies need to be done quickly because if the investment does not go in within the next few years, it will not be available for us to be able to rely on in 2030 and post 2030.