Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 185 to 187, inclusive, together.

The Commission for 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, which is required to report to the CRU regarding security of electricity supply matters. EirGrid is also responsible for daily management of the electricity system. The CRU currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters including Temporary Emergency Generation. The Temporary Emergency Generation units procured as a result of the EirGrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Act 2022 are being procured by EirGrid directly and thus are temporary in nature and required to cease operating by 31 March 2027, in line with the legislation.

The procurement process for purchasing generation units is complex and multi phased with a number of different types and size of generation units and the associated balance of plant required to be accommodated on the relevant sites. The first tranche of TEG has been delayed but construction on the North wall site has begun with energisation now expected in Autumn. For the second tranche of TEG for delivery in Winter 23/24 several contracts to support this project have been signed, with several more in train and expected to be signed in the coming weeks with energisation expected for Winter 23/24. The Temporary Emergency Generation units procured as a result of the EirGrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Act 2022 are being procured by EirGrid directly and thus are temporary in nature and required to cease operating by the 31 March 2027 in line with the legislation.

The generation capacity sought via the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism auctions are delivered by developers in the open market to be enduring capacity that will support an up to 80% renewable powered electricity system into the 2030s. The successful and expeditious delivery of all capacity projects is a critical component in ensuring enduring security of supply. The operation of the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism is currently being reviewed by the Single Electricity Market Committee (SEMC) and recommendations are expected shortly. It is anticipated these will support delivery of this critical infrastructure.

Additionally, it is intended that the draft Planning and Development Bill 2022, when enacted, will bring greater clarity, consistency and certainty to how planning decisions are made with a proposal for mandatory timelines for decisions on energy projects which will aid developers of generation capacity. Further information on the provisions contained in this Bill is available here: www.gov.ie/en/publication/1b115-outline-of-the-proposed-planning-and-development-bill/

The Deputy may wish to note that CRU provides a dedicated email address for Oireachtas members, which enables them to raise questions to CRU at oireachtas@cru.ie for timely direct reply.