Pádraic McCormack (Galway West, Fine Gael)
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Question 45: To ask the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources the alternative energy electricity combinations which form the most reliable system to ensure security and continuity of supply in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33546/06]

Noel Dempsey (Meath, Fianna Fail)
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Security of supply in relation to electricity is a matter for the Commission for Energy Regulation in accordance with the provisions of Article 28 of the European Communities (Internal Market in Electricity) Regulations 2005 (S.I. No. 60 of 2005). Specifically, Article 28 provides that it shall be the duty of the Commission to monitor the security of supply of electricity and that the Commission shall take such measures as it considers necessary to protect security of supply. In the performance of its monitoring and corrective functions, the EirGrid, the independent Transmission System Operator, advises the Commission.

Under the 2005 Regulations, the CER is required to publish a report on Ireland's security of supply of electricity. The report describes the Commission's monitoring activities, presents the conclusions drawn from that monitoring and the measures being taken, or planned to be taken, to protect Ireland's security of electricity supply.

One of the main conclusions of the first Security of Supply of Electricity Report, which was published by the Commission at the end of August this year, is that the development of generation plant producing from fossil fuels will continue to be required in the medium term to ensure security of supply as demand continues to grow. During this time, wind will remain the most significant alternative to fossil fuels on the system. The Commission and EirGrid have put in place mechanisms such as the Group Processing Approach to wind connections to ensure that the largest sustainable volume of wind is brought onto the system taking into account all technical requirements, including those relating to security and reliability of supply.

The Commission, in its report, also recognises that the addition of wind and other renewable generation to the energy mix enhances fuel diversity. In particular, both the CER and EirGrid acknowledge that the anticipated growth in renewables will require a generation portfolio, which is flexible and responsive, as well as further interconnection.

This view is consistent with policy options set out in the Government's recently published Green Paper on Energy, which sets ambitious targets for renewable energy (15% by 2010 and 30% by 2020).

In this regard, the Government is concerned to ensure that adequate provision is made to encourage the development of an electricity portfolio, which can support and complement the aggressive targets which we have now set for renewable growth. I can assure the Deputy that decisions by the CER, EirGrid and the Government will be informed by the need to ensure capacity and competition in the generation sector while reflecting the overriding consideration of security of supply.