Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Last November, the Government approved and published the Energy Security Package, a first-of-its kind strategy that encompasses electricity, oil, and gas. As part of the Package, the 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' report concludes that Ireland’s future energy will be secure by moving from a fossil fuel-based energy system to an electricity-led system, maximising our renewable energy potential, flexibility and being integrated into Europe’s energy systems.

As part of the analysis, the Package included:

• A major public consultation exercise with over 450 responses that were reviewed and influenced the final report;
• “Technical Analysis” on security of electricity and gas supply with scenarios and risks that inform the ESP;
• Policy analysis and a work programme on oil security of supply;
• An Independent Review on Security of Electricity Supply (the McCarthy report) with recommendations have been actioned;
• And an energy security response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine (“National Energy Security Framework”) with actions that have been integrated into Ireland’s overall energy security response to 2030.

Alongside security of supply and affordability; the principle of sustainability – the mitigation and avoidance of potential environmental harm and climate change impacts – was a key driver in the analysis as part of the Energy Security Package. The Package was developed in line with the objectives outlined in the Climate Action Plan. This strategy will ensure energy security in Ireland for this decade, while enabling a sustainable transition to a carbon neutral energy system by 2050, supporting our growing economy and societal needs for the future.

With regard to gas, the report determines that Ireland’s natural gas supplies and infrastructure are adequate to meet our demand projections, but Ireland does not have adequate resilience in case of a major disruption to our gas imports. As a transitional measure, it is necessary to introduce a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to address security needs in the medium-term, to be used only if a disruption to gas supplies occurs.

Based on preliminary analysis by my Department, it is anticipated that in terms of delivery options, a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve provided through a storage and importation facility, in the form of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit, is the most appropriate approach. A strategic gas emergency reserve is required to provide resilience to the gas system to mitigate the consequences for society and our economy of a significant gas supply disruption in Ireland.

Gas demand is expected to drop significantly through the course of the decade from 2030 and production of renewable gases are set to increase as well as the introduction of renewable gas compatible storage. This will enable security of supply benefits to be delivered without committing to a long-term dependence on natural gas.

This matter is being considered as a matter of priority and will return to Government for a decision on the optimum solution to deliver a strategic gas emergency reserve.

One of the issues on which further research and information is necessary, relates to the timeline for introducing such a facility and the timelines within which gas demand may fall to reduce the risk. That has to be examined very closely. We know that, in this decade, we are at risk and are exposed. Given the likelihood that delivery of a strategic gas reserve facility may not happen until early in the next decade, analysis is required as to whether the planned dramatic reduction in gas use, particularly in the electricity generation sector, means that an alternative way to meet the energy security risk might be better. For example, further electricity interconnectors with the UK or France or what is fast-evolving long term storage capability. This further research is something I have asked my Department to look at before going back to the Government and Oireachtas with detailed analysis.