Written answers

Thursday, 16 September 2021

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Electricity Generation

Photo of Alan FarrellAlan Farrell (Dublin Fingal, Fine Gael)
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15. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he will provide an update on expected electricity demand and supply for winter 2021 following recent Eirgrid amber alerts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43419/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has statutory responsibility, under S.I. 60 of 2005, to monitor and take measures necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply in Ireland. It is assisted in its statutory role by EirGrid which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the electricity transmission system. In relation to this winter, I understand that the key challenge relates to a number of power stations that are not currently in operation due to a combination of planned maintenance and unplanned outages. I am advised by the CRU that due to the expected return of two key gas-fired power stations by November, the outlook for the coming winter is improved.

More specific information in relation to the expected levels of electricity supply and demand for the coming winter will be set out in EirGrid's annual Winter Outlook publication, which I expect to be published in the coming weeks.

Photo of Brendan GriffinBrendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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16. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his views on potential electricity outages in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44161/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has statutory responsibility, under S.I. 60 of 2005, to monitor and take measures necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply in Ireland. It is assisted in its statutory role by EirGrid which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the electricity transmission system. The CRU has advised me that they have identified specific challenges to ensuring continued electricity security of supply, which they are currently in the process of addressing.

These challenges include lower than expected availability of some existing power stations; anticipated new power stations not being developed as planned; expected growth in demand for electricity including due to the growth of data centres; and the expected closure of power stations that make up approximately 25% of conventional electricity generation capacity over the coming years. 

These challenges do pose an increased risk of the electricity system not being able to meet demand. However, to date, I would note that electricity customers have not been impacted. There is a range of actions being taken by the CRU and EirGrid to ensure this continues to be the case.

The actions being progressed include maximising the availability of existing generators; development of new generation capacity, including temporary generation capacity in advance of winter 2022; making changes to the grid connection rules for data centres; and working with large energy consumers to, where possible, reduce their electricity demand during peak periods.

In relation to this winter, I understand that the key challenge relates to a number of power stations that are not currently in operation due to a combination of planned maintenance and unplanned outages. I am advised by the CRU that due to the expected return of two key gas-fired power stations by November, the outlook for the coming winter is improved.

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