Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 13 July 2023
162. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide an update on the Government’s energy security review and the review by a person (details supplied), respectively; when he expects both to be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35009/23]
View answer173. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications to report on the progress of the energy security review (details supplied); when he expects both to be published; if they will be published this quarter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35123/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 162 and 173 together.
My Department is currently finalising its review of security of energy supply of Ireland’s electricity and natural gas systems. The Review is focused on the period to 2030, but in the context of ensuring a sustainable transition up to 2050.
The Government’s policy objectives are to ensure energy is affordable, sustainable and secure, as well as in line with Ireland’s climate targets and statutory carbon budgets. Underpinned by these objectives, the review is considering the risks to both natural gas and electricity supplies, and a range of mitigation measures, including the need for additional capacity of indigenous renewable energy but also energy imports, energy storage, fuel diversification, demand side response and renewable gases (such as hydrogen).
To support its development, a detailed technical analysis has been published and an extensive consultation process carried out, providing important insights from over 450 individuals and organisations on the range of options that could be implemented to support Ireland’s security of supply framework.
The McCarthy Review into Security of Supply of the Electricity System (the McCarthy Report) has been a further key input informing the analysis and will be published alongside the completion of the review.
The completion of the review is a key priority. Once completed, I will bring my energy security recommendations to Government for consideration.
