Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
171. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications how it makes sense financially and environmentally for Edenderry power station to be used on a 24-7 basis, consuming a large amount of diesel in the process (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38934/23]
View answerThe financial operation of power stations is a matter for individual generation companies.
However, I am informed by EirGrid the Transmission System Operator (TSO) that there are three generation units in the Edenderry area, designated by EirGrid, who operate the National grid, as Edenderry units 1, 3 & 5. Units 3 & 5 are peaking plants that only run occasionally to meet peak demand on days when there is insufficient alternative generation available. For example, in June 2023 these units were only utilised one day in the entire month when the system was particularly tight. These two units are currently fueled by Distillate Oil but are expected to switch operation to natural gas from October 2025 to continue to complement a highly renewable powered grid.
Edenderry unit 1 is currently fuelled by a mixture of peat and biomass but will cease to use peat and be run exclusively on biomass from the start of 2024. Sustainably produced biomass can play a key role in Ireland’s transition from a fossil-fuel based economy to a low-carbon economy. Unit 1 does currently run regularly to provide baseload electricity to the national grid.
Edenderry's unit 1 move from peat to biomass provides dispatchable renewable electricity generation helping to ensure a secure supply of electricity for homes and businesses in a sustainable manner.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) currently has a programme of actions underway to ensure the security of our electricity supply over the coming winters. 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.
