Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

It might be unexpected but I like this proposal. However, I question its relevance to the provisions of the Bill. This Bill is to provide for an exemption from the provisions of the environmental impact assessment, EIA, directive and for an alternative streamlined consenting process rather than determining particular types of storage technology.

The Senators appear to be proposing a policy paper to be produced on battery storage. I imagine that is to address issues they consider could contribute positively to the energy security issues that are at hand. While I am rejecting the amendment, I would like to take the opportunity to address this particular policy area. I hope I can reassure Senators that I share their concerns and interest in storage as a way to address these concerns. Work is already under way to investigate this area. The amendment is not, therefore, necessary.

Electricity storage refers to an array of technologies with the ability to capture energy at one time for use at a later time. Storage will play an essential role in the decarbonisation of the electricity sector because it can support the integration of high volumes of renewable generation and provide critical system services needed to manage a low-carbon electricity system. It can also support security of supply by storing electricity during times of excess supply and releasing it during periods where there is a shortfall between supply and demand.

Programme for Government: Our Shared Future contains a commitment to strengthen the policy framework to incentivise electricity storage. Building on this, the climate action plan in 2021 included a commitment to develop a storage policy framework that supports the achievement of electricity emissions targets, namely, action No. 124. My Department has committed to developing a storage policy that supports the 2030 Common Agricultural Policy, CAP, targets, with the policy to be published early next year. A consultation on the new storage framework will commence very shortly. In combination, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, CRU, will be reviewing the regulatory treatment of storage including licensing, charging and market incentives, which is to be completed by the end of 2023.

However, it is also reported that a number of battery projects have been contracted via two mechanisms, that is, the single electricity market, SEM, capacity options and DS3 system services. These routes offer different but essential services to the power system on the island of Ireland. Therefore, while I am rejecting the amendment, I am sure the Senators will appreciate that policy work really is happening in this area. A consultation is about to start and the report is due to be published at the start of next year. I look forward to engaging with any Senators who wish to discuss the detail of it as it progresses.