Alan Kelly (Tipperary, Labour)
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166. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment his plans to support the development of any new pumped storage stations in Ireland; and his views on whether such facilities are warranted. [36875/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Energy storage plays a critical role in ensuring flexibility and security of supply in the energy system, by facilitating the integration of renewable generation, supporting the grid, and shifting energy to the time when it is needed most. The Climate Action Plan 2021 recognises the important role of electricity storage, in supporting the transformation of the electricity sector. Under Climate Action Plan 2021, my Department has committed to developing a national electricity storage policy framework, which is due for publication in Q1 2023. To help inform this work, my Department will launch a public consultation in summer 2022. In addition, the Commission for Regulation of Utilities has committed to reviewing the regulatory treatment of storage in late 2023.

At present, Turlough Hill is the only large scale pumped storage power station in Ireland with an installed capacity of 292MW. However, Ireland has also supported the inclusion of the Silvermines Hydroelectric Pumped Storage facility on the EU’s Project of Common Interest List. The proposed development will provide 1.8GWh of storage with 360MW export capacity and 360MW of pumping load. Projects of Common Interest are key cross border infrastructure projects that link the energy systems of EU countries but can also include storage projects such as Silvermines. The project is on the 5th PCI list which was published last November.

Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent)
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167. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment when a review will be completed by his Department on a recently produced white paper by an organisation (details supplied) titled Keeping Ireland’s Energy Flowing which outlines the way that Ireland can repurpose existing physical infrastructure at the Kinsale Head Gas Field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36937/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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As set out in the National Energy Security Framework, which was published in April 2022, the review of the energy security of Ireland’s gas and electricity systems is scheduled for delivery in quarter 3 of this year, following which the results will be submitted to Government. This review is focussed on the on the period to 2030 and will examine the risks to security of supply and a range of potential mitigating options. The review includes a technical analysis which will help inform a public consultation. The technical analysis includes 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. The underlying technical analysis is being updated to take into account the war in Ukraine. I expect the public consultation on the review to commence shortly, at which point all parties can submit their views for consideration.

The Policy Statement on importing fracked gas was approved by Government and published in May 2021. The policy statement provides that, pending the outcome of this review, it would not be appropriate for the development of any LNG terminals in Ireland to be permitted or proceeded with.