Patrick Costello (Dublin South Central, Green Party)
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57. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his Department will examine the feasibility of harvesting the excess heat from the proposed jet engines being bought to add additional capacity; if this could be deployed in a district heating scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53726/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Commission of Regulation of Utilities which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of supply, has the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take sure measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. It is assisted in its role by EirGrid and my Department.

The 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 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.

For the second tranche of c.450MW temporary generation, two sites are currently being considered to deliver this additional temporary generation capacity. As set out in the EirGrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Act 2022 the proposed generation units are considered a temporary measure and must be removed by 31 March 2027. These units will, therefore not be available to provide a long term district heating solution for their localities.

My Department has however established a District Heating Steering Group in February, which draws together expertise and experience relevant to district heating from a number of public sector stakeholders. The Steering Group is currently in the process of drafting its Report to Government, in which it will make recommendations to advance district heating projects in the State.

I remain committed to the development of the appropriate regulatory and legislative basis necessary for the expansion of district heating in Ireland and my Department continues to engage with relevant stakeholders in order to accelerate utilisation of this technology in the context of decarbonising of the built environment.

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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58. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the action that is being taken to improve Ireland’s energy security. [53746/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The National Energy Security Framework (NESF) provides a single overarching and initial response to address Ireland’s energy security needs in the context of the war in Ukraine. It co-ordinates work connected to energy security across the electricity, gas and oil sectors and sets out a ‘whole-of-Government’ response to the challenges posed to energy security and energy affordability. The Framework takes into account the need to decarbonise our society and economy as set out in recent reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and Ireland’s targets to reduce emissions by 51% over the decade to 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050 as set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021.

The Commission of Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which has statutory responsibility to ensure security of electricity supply, has the duty to monitor electricity supplies and to take sure measures as it considers necessary to protect the security of supply. It is assisted in its role by EirGrid and my Department.

The CRU currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. Margins are expected to 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.

As part of its review of security of supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas system, my Department has launched a public consultation seeking views from interested parties. The review examines measures Ireland can take to mitigate potential risks including additional capacity to import energy, energy storage, fuel diversification and renewable gases. The review is currently open to consultation for views by interested parties.

John Lahart (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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59. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if new solid fuel regulations are due to be introduced on 31 October 2022. [53747/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I have signed new solid fuel regulations, as previously agreed by Government, which will come into operation on 31 October. The Air Pollution Act 1987 (Solid Fuels) Regulations 2022 (S.I. No. 529 of 2022) will introduce minimum quality standards that will apply to all solid fuels distributed throughout the State. This will ensure that the most polluting can no longer be made available on the Irish market and will assist the public in transitioning to less polluting alternatives. These regulations are necessary as each year some 1,300 people die prematurely in Ireland from illnesses which are caused or exacerbated by air pollution from solid fuel burning. It is further estimated that there are over 16,200 life years lost, while many people also experience a poor quality of life due to the associated short-term and long-term health impacts of this form of pollution. I am committed to addressing this critical public health and environmental challenge, and the introduction of the new regulations will play a key role in this regard.