Dáil debates

Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Energy Security: Motion (Resumed)

 

6:00 pm

Photo of M J NolanM J Nolan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail)

I wish to share time with the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Martin Mansergh, and Deputies Charlie O'Connor, Trevor Sargent, Peter Kelly and Timmy Dooley.

I welcome the opportunity to contribute to the debate on this timely motion. Many Members are interested in discussing the sustainability of Ireland's energy supply. This is an issue to which we must all pay attention, particularly when one considers that gas accounts for such a high percentage of the fuel required to meet our electricity generation needs. In view of the fact that the Kinsale gas field is seriously depleted - it only accounts for 4% of our needs - most of the gas we use is imported. The Corrib field is expected to be in production by 2012. Whereas we now import 96% of our gas from the UK, it is hoped that the Corrib field, when in full production, will be able to meet a large part of our needs.

It is important that we should continue to consider possible sources of renewable energy. In that context, we are well on track towards achieving the Government's target of meeting 40% of our electricity needs from renewable sources by the year 2020. It is also worth noting that we are investing significantly in our national grid. Due to the fact that we are at the end of the gas pipeline, we must consider how we might establish more secure interconnectors between Ireland and the UK, particularly Scotland, in order to ensure that there will be continuity of supply.

In January, a major increase in demand for gas supplies was experienced in this country and in the UK. We managed to navigate our difficulties in this regard. Even though the UK was subjected to the same cold weather as Ireland and experienced the same increase in demand on supplies, both countries managed to continue to meet the needs of domestic and industrial customers, particularly those who operate in the field of electricity generation. The fact the European Union is taking a serious interest in the security of supply for the European Community will also assist us. We all recall the difficulties when the Russian and Ukrainian problem developed and the impact that would have had on the gas supply for the European Union had it continued.

It is important we continue to look for sources of new gas. I was pleased to note recently that there is talk of a new find off the east coast. The Minister should continue to encourage prospectors to look for indigenous supplies of gas or other sources of energy.

I wish to make a couple of points on the two interconnectors between Ireland and the UK. The Commissioner for Energy Regulation is looking at the provision of a third interconnector and that should be encouraged and seriously considered.

The strategic storage of gas is an issue which has not been looked at to the extent it possibly should be. It costs five times more to provide storage for gas than for oil. Given our dependence on gas, we will have to consider that. If the Government is not in a position to fund such a serious capital investment, perhaps it is an area at which the commercial sector might look.

We are very reliant on the UK. Last winter we had a one year in 50 years cold snap, which we came through. That is to be welcomed.

I refer to the security of gas supply on an all-island basis. That is the only way we can look forward. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources has given serious consideration to the grid interconnector. The interconnector between North and South is at planning stage. Every aspect of that planning application has been discussed by our committee and in the Chamber. I hope that will go through and that we will have a security of supply, North and South.

I commend the Minister and the Opposition for tabling this motion because there is not too much between us on this matter.

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