Energy Policy

Thursday, 19 June 2025

Ceisteanna (209)

Pa Daly

Ceist:

209. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update of all the actions in the energy security review, broken down by action; the breakdown of completed actions, of actions still in progress, and those that have yet to commence; and the breakdown of estimated timeline for delivery of each action, in tabular form. [33356/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment

Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 was published in November 2023 and outlines a strategy to ensure energy security in Ireland for this decade, while ensuring a sustainable transition to a carbon neutral energy system by 2050. The report was published as part of an Energy Security Package, containing a range of supplementary analyses, consultations, and reviews, which have informed the recommendations and actions related to energy security.

The 28 actions outlined in Energy Security in Ireland to 2030 are overseen by the Energy Security Group (ESG), which is chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and attended by officials from relevant Government Departments and Agencies.

The table below provides an update of the actions to end Q1 2025:

ACTION	STATUS	ESTIMATED TIMELINE FOR DELIVERY
1. To transpose the European Energy Efficiency Directive	IN PROGRESS	Oct-25
2. To standardise the approach used to evaluate the affordability of new and existing policy initiatives on consumers	IN PROGRESS	Priorities have been realigned under the PfG resulting in the establishment of a National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) which will have its inaugural meeting on 19 June. The drafting, publication and implementation of a National Energy Affordability Action Plan will be a key output of the NEAT. The relevant actions in the ESP are being incorporated into the work programme of the NEAT.
3. To improve the ways that homes and businesses can manage their energy use by providing an evidence-based programme of communications activity and by supporting ‘active consumers’ through smart metering and smart energy services	IN PROGRESS	Q4 2025
4. To review gas connection policy and introduce gas demand flexibility measures	IN PROGRESS	Q3 2025
5.To identify and support new, innovative approaches to integrating large-scale demand sustainably into Ireland’s energy systems that align with the overriding objective to decarbonise	IN PROGRESS	Q3 2025
6. To utilise the National Energy and Climate Plan to ensure all policy incentives are aligned on a regular basis	COMPLETE	COMPLETE
7. To work within the updated European Electricity Market Design to continue to reduce emissions associated with Ireland’s conventional capacity over the medium-term	IN PROGRESS	2030
8. To complete implementation of the CRU Security of Electricity Supply Programme	IN PROGRESS	2027
9. To increase resilience by implementing an updated, risk-based, evidence-based reliability standard in the electricity sector	IN PROGRESS	2027
10. To implement consenting reforms and align to planning reforms to provide greater certainty to the sector	IN PROGRESS	Primary legislation in place by end Q4 2025. Secondary legislation to be developed over the course of 2026 with phased implementation to end 2026.
11. To ensure a fit for purpose electricity grid that supports Ireland’s energy and climate ambition	IN PROGRESS	Q4 2030
12. To accelerate delivery of power system flexibility	IN PROGRESS	2026
13. To successfully complete and integrate additional Electricity Interconnections	IN PROGRESS	2030
14. To finalise studies to inform the development of long-term gas storage solutions which can store renewable gas, in particular hydrogen	IN PROGRESS	Research due Q4 2028
15. To secure the existing onshore ‘Inch gas pipeline’ for wider strategic uses	IN PROGRESS	Ongoing - engagement with relevant parties on means to arrange transfer of assets has commenced.
16. To ensure a fit for purpose gas grid, that supports Ireland’s energy and climate ambition	IN PROGRESS	CRU and GNI are undertaking a number of initial measures to support this medium- to long-term action.
17. To create a Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve to protect Ireland in the event of a gas supply disruption as Ireland makes a secure transition to majority renewable energy	IN PROGRESS	Government decision in March 2025 to progress the deliver of the Strategic Gas Emergency Reserve.
18.To strengthen supply chain of secondary fuels for Gas-fired power generation	IN PROGRESS	Substantively completed in 2024, with ongoing analysis of this area to continue in 2025 between relevant bodies.
19. To resolve Long-Term Sourcing Issues for improved Oil Security	COMPLETE	Analysis commissioned and complete on Refining in Ireland
20. To expand the energy expertise and capacity available to Government and representing Ireland Internationally	IN PROGRESS	Chief Technical Adviser appointed. Dedicated graduate recruitment in place. New International division established and resources at EU level enhanced.
21. To regularly review the scope, functions and resourcing of the delivery organisations that are driving the energy transition	IN PROGRESS	Ongoing.
22. To integrate the forecasting framework for the electricity and gas sectors	IN PROGRESS	2027
23. To extend International Energy Agreements to support energy security	IN PROGRESS	MoU in place - work plan to be developed.
24. To continue to regularly Review Energy Emergency Exercises and Preparedness	IN PROGRESS	Ongoing. Exercises conducted, future exercises planned and actions being implemented following each Exercise.
25. To update the approach to Industry and Stakeholder Engagement in policy deliberation	IN PROGRESS	Ongoing across multiple forums.
26. To enhance energy sector oversight and governance	IN PROGRESS	Ongoing. Review of CRU ongoing to enhance oversight, governance, resources and engagement with the CRU.
27. To establish Annual Energy Security Reporting and Regular Energy Security Reviews	IN PROGRESS	2026
28. To establish a permanent Energy Security Group	COMPLETE	COMPLETE