Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Climate Action

Engagement with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities

Mr. Jim Gannon:

It does not mean we should not be more ambitious but it certainly does not mean it is easy or everything is predictable. We are at the bleeding edge of this type of innovation. Our European colleagues ask us how to deal with some of the problems the Deputy is outlining. How do we make sure we have the right types of batteries in place and that the right economic incentive is sent through to others? They are asking us those questions because they have not experienced it yet. We need to be more ambitious and learn as we go. Some of that will result in delays but also opportunities to do better next time around. There are challenges but there is a reason we are at the leading edge and experiencing challenges around that.