______________________________________________
For Oral Answer on : 16/09/2021
Question Number(s): 9 Question Reference(s): 43931/21
Department: Environment, Climate and Communications
Asked by: David Stanton T.D.
______________________________________________
QUESTION
[Ref No.: 43931/21]
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the measures being taken by his Department to ensure the resilience and security of energy supply at times of peak demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.
For ORAL answer on Thursday, 16th September, 2021.
(18 Received on 9th September, 2021.) [Ref No.: 43931/21]
To ask the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the policy measures being taken by his Department to ensure the resilience and security of energy supply at times of peak demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. – David Stanton.
For ORAL answer on Thursday, 16th September, 2021.
(18 Received on 9th September, 2021.)
REPLY
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (the CRU) has statutory responsibility, under S.I. 60 of 2005, to monitor and take measures necessary to ensure the security of electricity supply in Ireland. It is assisted in its statutory role by EirGrid which is responsible for the day-to-day management of the electricity transmission system.
The electricity network is developed to ensure there is sufficient generation capacity to meet demand, including at peak times and when there is limited renewable electricity generation during periods of low wind.
The CRU have advised me that they have identified specific challenges to ensuring continued electricity security of supply, which they are currently in the process of addressing. These challenges include lower than expected availability of some existing power stations; anticipated new power stations not being developed as planned; expected growth in demand for electricity including due to the growth of data centres; and the expected closure of power stations that make up approximately 25% of conventional electricity generation capacity over the coming years.
There is a range of actions being taken by the CRU and EirGrid to ensure security of electricity supply over the coming winter and years ahead. The actions being progressed include maximising the availability of existing generators; development of new generation capacity – including temporary generation capacity in advance of winter 2022; making changes to the grid connection rules for data centres; and working with large energy consumers to, where possible, reduce their electricity demand during peak periods.
My Department is supporting the CRU and EirGrid as they progress the actions necessary to ensure continued secure supply of electricity which is vital for the proper functioning of society and the economy.