Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2024
100. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications the estimated length of time a proposed temporary floating storage and regasification unit, if approved, would be in operation in Ireland until a carbon neutral energy system is in place and we are no longer reliant on gas for our energy security; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23621/24]
View answerMy Department, in consultation with Gas Networks Ireland, the transmission system operator, will complete a detailed examination of the optimal approach to deliver the emergency gas reserve which will include consideration of climate objectives.
The proposal will be developed in accordance with specific criteria requirements including:
• a proposal which can be implemented quickly
• a proposal which does not inadvertently increase gas demand by increasing the supply available on the market
• a cost-effective proposal at the appropriate scale which provides sufficient resilience if a disruption to gas supply occurs, and
• a proposal which is compatible with the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act 2015-21
Gas will continue to play a key role to support the secure transition to an energy system based on electrification and greatly increased renewables penetration. Reducing gas demand and increasing renewable gas production will reduce the impact of Ireland’s risk but the risks themselves will remain for at least a decade. The impact of any significant unplanned reduction in the country’s gas supplies would have severe economic and social impacts.
A policy will be developed to support 'end of life' criteria for the strategic gas emergency reserve to ensure that a regular review of the energy security risk is conducted and that once the risk is mitigated by alternative energy sources the strategic gas emergency reserve will no longer be required.
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 while also reducing the risk of stranded assets.
A State-led approach is consistent with the Climate Act and broader Government climate and energy policy avoiding the risk of fossil fuel lock-in or stranded fossil fuel assets.
