Christopher O'Sullivan (Cork South-West, Fianna Fail)

I will read out a detailed and lengthy reply. If the Senator wants to collaborate more, please request that at the end.

In line with the climate action plan actions, the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment published the electricity storage policy framework for Ireland in July 2024. The policy framework, through ten Government actions, supports the incorporation of electricity storage systems into the grid network. The policy framework recognises that electricity storage systems of different types, strengths, durations, emission limits and technological make-up are required to be incorporated into the grid system. In line with this, as per action No. 1, the framework and all associated actions are technology neutral.

The most relevant action to the topic at hand is No. 4, which is to convene an electricity storage stakeholder forum. This action recognises the importance of a co-ordinated approach by all relevant stakeholders in ensuring that electricity storage systems play their role in the energy transition. The forum was successfully held in quarter 4 2024 and brought together participants with various perspectives on the topic of electricity storage. This included relevant statutory bodies, leading industry representatives, academic or interest groups, and representatives of the public. Community engagement and messaging were two topics discussed at the forum. A full report of the forum that outlines its participants, context, content and outcomes can be found on the Department’s website.

The policy framework contains other important actions. Action No. 2 of the policy framework actions the creation of a sandbox project to advance both system operators’ technological knowledge of emerging electricity storage systems. The Department has engaged on the sandbox with both of the system operators through the joint system operator programme, JSOP. Further work towards the sandbox can be expected in quarter 1 of 2026. Action No. 3 of the policy framework convenes an electricity storage and system services working group under the accelerating renewable electricity task force. The work is comprised of the four main statutory institutions responsible for the incorporation of electricity storage into the grid network - CRU, ESB Networks, EirGrid and the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment. The aim of the project group is to ensure the necessary programmes and elements of electricity storage from across the four stakeholders’ remits are delivered in a timely manner. This working group meets bimonthly and has had nine meetings to date.

The response refers to actions Nos. 5, 6, 7 and so on but I think action No. 4 is the relevant action in this case, which is adequate community stakeholder engagement. The report is available on the Department's website in terms of the processes and outcomes of the stakeholder meetings. I think the Senator is highlighting that smaller communities in rural Ireland feel they are overlooked or bypassed when it comes to these discussions. I hope we all agree there is an urgent need for delivery of renewables, which the Senator outlined. This will mean urban and rural parts of Ireland will play their part in delivering wind, solar, etc. In order to reach our emissions reduction and renewable energy targets, we need to bring rural communities with us. Bypassing them in the initial stages will have an impact on that. I would like to hear more about the experience in the Senator's communities and how they feel impacted by that.