Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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187. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the details of the investment programme by EirGrid on improving the national grid; the way this investment is prioritised in connectivity for renewable energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54166/21]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Matters relating to the cost and focus of grid investment are operational matters for EirGrid and the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). EirGrid is the transmission system operator and its responsibilities include the appropriate development of the grid and power system to achieve our energy policy objectives and underpin economic development. The CRU is the independent energy regulator and, through a formal price review process (the most recent being Price Review 5 (PR5)), it decides on the appropriate spend by EirGrid and ESB Networks (as the distribution system operator) on a five-year basis.

The PR5 decision by the CRU in December 2020 signalled a significant and necessary increase in funds for grid enhancement. EirGrid already seeks to optimise the existing electricity grid to minimise the need for new infrastructure through upgrades, refurbishment or up-voltaging of existing infrastructure, where possible. However, in light of the Government's ambition to have up to 80% renewable electricity on the power system by 2030, and with demand profiles increasing as we continue to electrify more sectors of our economy, such as transport and heating, further investment in the power grid will be required over the coming decade.

The CRU issued a final determination for funding over the next five years to the end of 2025 which can be found on the CRU website. It indicates a capital investment of €4 billion across the transmission and distribution network.

Earlier this year EirGrid carried out a comprehensive public consultation on 'Shaping our Electricity Future'. The aim is to make the electricity grid stronger and more flexible so that it can carry significantly more renewable generation as well as meet increasing demand from high volume energy users. The new Strategy will be published later this week.