Written answers

Wednesday, 19 January 2022

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Energy Policy

Photo of Darren O'RourkeDarren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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148. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department has carried out energy transition modelling examining specifically the cost of transitioning to a fully electric heating and transport system including the upgrades needed to the electricity network such as the updating of transformers and pole fuses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1813/22]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Climate Action Plan (CAP) 2021 sets out a roadmap to cut Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Decarbonising Ireland’s electricity system will play a vital role in this transition, and therefore the Government has agreed a more ambitious commitment to increase the proportion of renewable electricity to up to 80% by 2030. This will not only reduce emissions from electricity but will also facilitate the electrification of heating and transport and reduce emissions in these sectors as well. Detailed modelling was undertaken in support of the development of CAP 2021. In terms of electricity network modelling, ESB Networks (ESBN) concluded a range of system studies and modelling in 2019. These sought to identify the requirements to achieving the electric vehicle and heat-pump electrification targets in the 2019 CAP and the National Development Plan. This included a specifically commissioned study that modelled the cost of the electricity distribution network reinforcement from 2020 to Net-Zero carbon emissions. The results were used as an evidence base in the Price Review process undertaken by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities which saw approval of €3.3 billion capital expenditure on the electricity distribution network for the period 2021-25.

Action 127 of CAP 2021 requires “National distribution system analyses identifying technical requirements to achieve up to 80% renewables and electrification of heat and transport” to be completed in 2023. Already, ESBN is assessing what further energy transition modelling is necessary building on the 2019 analysis. In the meantime, it continues to innovate through initiatives such as the National Networks, Local Connections Programme, which seeks to underpin economic growth and reduce the overall cost of investment in the electricity distribution system.

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