Natural Gas, the lowest carbon-emitting fossil fuel, is an important transition fuel on the pathway to decarbonisation. The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2017 recognises the role which gas will play in the transition to 2050, including where seasonal flexibility is required to integrate high shares of variable renewables. In Ireland gas powered generation provides an important back-up for intermittent renewable wind generation.
Our Energy Policy White Paper commits to radically reducing our GHG emissions by 2050. As the policy paper states, we have embarked on a firm course to sustainability, mindful of the need to balance competitiveness and security of suppl. While gas will contribute to security of supply through the period of transition, it will be curtailed and eventually eliminated in our energy mix through a range of reduction and substitution measures using more sustainable alternatives.
Ireland’s energy policy is fully aligned with the EU’s climate and energy objectives on the transition to decarbonisation, which includes continuous and ongoing review of policies to reduce harmful emissions, improve energy efficiency, incentivise efficient and sustainable infrastructure investment, integrate markets, and promote research and innovation while ensuring our energy security of supply is maintained and enhanced.
The National Mitigation Plan, which I published last July, restates the Government’s commitment to move from a fossil fuel-based electricity system to a low-carbon power system. Investment in further renewable generation will be incentivised. Natural gas will continue to play a key role as a transition fuel.
The National Development Plan 2018-2027 sets out clear measures towards decarbonisation, including the upgrading of 45,000 homes every year from 2021 to make them energy efficient, up to 4,500MW of renewable electricity generation, roll-out of the support scheme for renewable heat, and commitments on electric vehicles and low-emission public transport. However, in the transition, the lowest CO2 emitting fossil fuel is still required to ensure a safe, secure and competitive path towards sustainability.
In line with the Energy Policy White Paper 2015-2030, and with the National Development Plan 2018-2027, investment in the gas network will continue so as to ensure that it remains fit for purpose.
I have commissioned a high-level study into the gas network to examine issues relating to the wider economic costs and benefits of potential extensions to the network, including decarbonisation, air quality, climate and emissions and regional and rural development benefits. The study is being undertaken for the purpose of technical evaluation, analysis and information-gathering, which will inform and feed into future policy development.
