Michael McNamara (Clare, Independent)
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118. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the Government’s position regarding the operation of Moneypoint Power Station in view of Ireland's ongoing energy security challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45007/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. The security of supply programme of actions contains a number of both demand-side and supply-side mitigation measures to address the forecasted shortfall. These actions include: procurement of new, enduring capacity through a number of capacity auctions; procuring additional temporary generation; extending the availability of existing generation capacity; additional use of grid scale batteries; and improved demand-side measures. Margins will remain tight during this coming winter period (2022/2023). The CRU is continuing to work with key stakeholders to implement additional appropriate mitigation measures to further reduce risks during this winter and lower peak demand during this period.

In line with the Governments policy statement on security of electricity supply published in November 2021 it is appropriate that existing conventional electricity generation capacity, including existing coal, should be retained until the new conventional electricity generation capacity is developed in order to ensure security of electricity supply.

Conventional capacity will only operate if and when needed, with renewable energy and efficient gas-fired power stations always being supplied to the market first. This approach will minimise the impact on greenhouse gas emissions, while ensuring continued security of electricity supply.