Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

160. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the recent analysis of Ireland’s energy security that has been undertaken; the way in which he is assessing projected demand and supply in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21221/21]

Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

161. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the tender to commission a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems; the timeline and scope of this review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21222/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 160 and 161 together.

My Department works closely with the Commission for Regulation of Utilities, EirGrid and Gas Networks Ireland to ensure continued secure supplies of electricity and natural gas. In their respective roles as transmission system operators for electricity and natural gas, EirGrid and Gas Networks Ireland publish projections of demand and supply for the coming decade. These projections, which are published on their websites, take into account Government policies and commitments to decarbonisation.

My Department is also carrying out a review of the security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems which is focusing on the period to 2030 in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050. The review includes a technical analysis and public consultation.

Consultants have been appointed to undertake the technical analysis which will include identification and examination of the key risks to the security of supply in the electricity and natural gas systems; identification of options that could address or mitigate these risks in the period to 2030; and appraisal of these options in the context of ensuring a sustainable pathway to 2050.

Following the completion and publication of the technical analysis, a public consultation will be carried out. This will provide all stakeholders and the public an opportunity to input into the review. It is intended the review will be completed by the end of 2021.