Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 April 2025
333. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will report on the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism in Ireland; the way in which he plans to prioritise decarbonisation as part of this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21237/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) has a statutory responsibility to ensure security of electricity supply. A key mechanism to achieve this is to ensure sufficient dispatchable generation capacity which is delivered through the Capacity Remuneration Mechanism (CRM) under the overall regulatory supervision of the Single Electricity Market Committee (SEMC). The dispatchable generation capacity sought via the CRM auctions are delivered by developers in the open market to be enduring capacity that will support an up to 80% renewable powered electricity system into the 2030s. The successful and expeditious delivery of all capacity market projects is a critical component in ensuring enduring security of supply.
The dispatchable capacity procured through the CRM has delivered a range of technologies, including significant amounts of long duration storage and demand side response in recent auctions which will lessen Ireland's dependence on fossil fuel imports in the coming years.
The costs of the CRM are delivered on an auction-by-auction basis and are a matter for the SEMC and CRU. Generation capacity is not Exchequer funded but is instead funded through a CRU approved supplier capacity charge in customers bills.
Responsibility for the regulation of the electricity market is a matter for the CRU which is an independent regulator, accountable to a Committee of the Oireachtas and not the Minister. 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.
