Written answers
Tuesday, 23 July 2024
Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment
Wind Energy Generation
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
71.To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the status of the seven offshore renewable energy projects for which he issued marine area consents in 2021; the current status of the four offshore wind projects under the offshore renewable electricity support scheme which were successful in the first offshore wind auction; when he expects planning and regulatory processes for these projects to be completed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31263/24]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Significant progress has been made across Government towards the delivery of offshore renewable energy during the last three years. Over a relatively short period of time this Government has completely reimagined and implemented a new policy, legislative and regulatory system to deliver on our commitment to ORE.
The Climate Action Plan 2024 commits to achieving at least 5GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030. The Government’s phased approach to offshore wind development involves:
- a project-led Phase One, which corresponds to the first offshore renewable electricity auction (ORESS 1).
- Phase Two, an accelerated work programme, focusing on near-term delivery based on technology with proven scalability in other jurisdictions and which will procure the additional offshore wind capacity required to meet Government’s 2030 target; and
- the fully plan-led Future Framework approach.
Following a detailed assessment process, I awarded MACs to Phase One projects in December 2022. The MACs have been carefully designed to ensure the speedy progression of only the most viable offshore wind energy projects to meet Ireland’s energy targets, while protecting the State’s interest in its valuable maritime resource.
Three of the Phase One projects have submitted planning applications in recent weeks with the other projects expected to submit their formal planning application shortly.
The results of our first offshore wind auction, ORESS 1, were finalised in June 2023. The results surpassed expectations, both in terms of the total volume of renewable energy procured and the low price at which it has been secured. Over 3GW of capacity has been procured from four Phase One offshore wind projects, which will deliver over 12TWh (terawatt hours) of renewable electricity per year. This is the largest volume of renewable energy Ireland has ever procured at auction — equivalent to over a third of Ireland’s entire electricity consumption in 2023 and over a quarter of projected 2030 electricity demand.
My Department also established Community Benefit Funds (CBF) to ensure that the local regions and communities that host renewable energy developments are able to share in the collective benefit. Given the anticipated high levels of offshore generation, the amounts involved will be substantial — approximately €8 million per annum from a typical 1GW offshore wind project, or almost €25 million per annum from the 3.1GW of capacity contracted under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS 1).
This Government and my Department continues apace to develop the solid foundation and the architecture required to introduce a new and long-lasting offshore renewable energy industry for Ireland.
Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
72.To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the actions taken to date to ensure that Ireland's onshore grid capacity is developed in tandem with the development of offshore wind generation; the specific capital projects needed to provide adequate grid capacity to distribute planned offshore wind energy over the next ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31280/24]
Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source
Issues regarding the development of the national electricity grid rest with EirGrid and ESB Network. 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 myself as Minister in the exercise of their respective functions.
In July 2023 Eirgrid published an update to Shaping our Electricity Future, their roadmap for the transmission grid out to 2030 in order to deliver on the renewable energy targets. Separately Eirgrid annually publish a 10-year Transmission Development Plan which presents EirGrid’s view of the future electricity transmission network needs. All of which is done under the supervision of the independent regulator, CRU. The network development plan provides CRU with accurate data that allows them to deliver their monitoring obligations for electricity.
Furthermore, every year CRU holds a public consultation on EirGrid's Transmission Development Plan. CRU's public consultation gives stakeholders the opportunity to express their views on the Transmission Development Plan. In January 2023, ESB Networks launched its networks for Net Zero Strategy which outlines its commitment to futureproofing Ireland’s electricity network and making the country’s goal of net zero by 2050 a reality. This includes an estimate €10 billion euro investment to 2030 to develop a smarter and more flexible electricity network. The CRU,
EirGrid and ESB Networks have respective contact email address for Deputies, of which they are aware, should they wish to raise matters of concern or seek updates on developments to the national electricity grid such as that raised in the question. The subject of the Deputy’s question in this instance would be a matter for Eirgrid.
No comments