Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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90. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the work he and his Department are undertaking to increase electricity grid capacity in line with our 2030 target; if hybrid connections will form of this plan; if he is aware of mounting concerns over delays to renewable energy developments in securing grid connection posing a threat to our 2030 targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27559/24]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity sector is a matter for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) which is an independent regulator, accountable to a committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. The CRU was assigned responsibility for the regulation of the Irish electricity sector following the enactment of the Electricity Regulation Act, 1999 and subsequent legislation. The CRU is responsible for oversight of the costs associated with the operation and development of the national grid by the System Operators. Issues regarding the development of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Networks. EirGrid, as Transmission System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Transmission Network and ESB Networks, as Distribution System Operator, have responsibility for the development of the Distribution Network.

The Transmission and Distribution Networks make up the national electricity grid. EirGrid and ESB Networks are independent of the Minister in the exercise of their respective functions. The process of planning, development, and management of new connections to the electricity grid is a matter for ESB Networks/EirGrid, under rules determined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU). Under Section 34 of the ERA, the CRU may give directions to system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, on the terms and conditions of access to the electricity system. The CRU are currently completing work on a new Electricity Generation and System Services Connection’ Policy to connect onshore generators, storage and other systems services technology projects (CRU/2023/163) to the grid. This new connection policy will require significant changes to previous iterations of ECP-2, including a review of timelines to support the implementation of Article 16 of the Renewable Energy Directive which seeks to reform the permit-granting procedures for renewable projects. The CRU are also responsible for rules governing hybrid connections. Under CAP 23, the CRU are tasked with ensuring that hybrid technology grid connections are facilitated; work on this action is progressing following engagement with the system operators, EirGrid and ESB.