Written answers

Thursday, 6 November 2014

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Electricity Transmission Network

Photo of Dara CallearyDara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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252. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he has seen the submission by ESB in relation to the sustainability of EirGrid's expansion plans; his views on the disjoint between the ESB and EirGrid; his further views on the view that the ESB submission indicates Grid25 is no longer a feasible or appropriate response to the State's energy needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42685/14]

Photo of Alex WhiteAlex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The ESB submission referred to in the Question is one of over 1,240 received during the period of public consultation on the Energy Policy Green Paper. That submission, like all those received, is a useful contribution to the process of developing a definitive Energy Policy. ESB and EirGrid are fully in agreement on the need for critical energy transmission and distribution infrastructure. Both companies also acknowledge the need for Irish electricity networks to address citizen and community concerns, to take account of changes in the level of electricity demand due to changing economic circumstances, and to accommodate evolving European energy policy.

ESB and EirGrid work closely together on development and reinforcement of the transmission and distribution systems in order to ensure security of supply and to meet customer and stakeholder needs.

As a matter of course, EirGrid regularly reviews its strategies and projects. Grid 25 was originally developed in 2008 when the macro-economic climate was very different. In line with Eirgrid’s review policy, Grid 25 was updated in 2011, when the scale and scope was reduced to reflect the change in circumstances. As a result the cost was revised downwards from €4 billion to €3.2 billion.

In May this year, EirGrid initiated a further update of Grid25 to take into account the most up-to-date information available, including technical feasibility, future economic and demand projections, and environmental impacts. Following discussions with my Department, this update also includes an independent review to verify the original strategies of Grid25 on the basis of changing circumstances since 2008. EirGrid expects this review to be completed and published early in 2015.

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