My Department is acutely aware that with the scale of distributed renewable electricity generation sources coming forward, the grid needs to be more flexible to account for the intermittent nature of renewables. Moreover, for the decarbonisation pathway to be efficient, our energy system must be smart. A smart and flexible energy system will reduce consumer energy bills by reducing the amount of generation and network assets that need to be built to meet peak demand. Consequently, the deployment and integration of:
• Energy Smart Appliances such as electric vehicle (EV) charge points;
• domestic battery energy storage systems;
• heat pumps; and
• hot water heating solutions
is a crucial step for empowering households and businesses to play a central role in Ireland’s energy transition.
My Department established the Smart Energy Services Working Group (SESWG) under the 2023 Climate Action Plan with the objective of developing "measures and policy that facilitate and empower consumers to benefit from engagement in the energy transition, through active participation in the energy market and flexible demand management services". The SESWG identified a number of priority focus areas including the development of Smart-Flex standards to support the integration and interoperability of consumer energy assets, such smart appliances, Heat Pumps, EVs and solar PV systems. The 2025 Climate Action Plan includes an action to "Develop a Smart-flex Standards Roadmap" which will set out the pathway for mandating energy smart appliance capabilities, in line with crucial consumer empowerment measures required under the EU Electricity Market Design changes.
A new Demonstration and Innovation Delivery Programme is also under development by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland with the intention of identifying solutions to smart energy challenges, testing applications and assessing impacts. This will be crucial for the successful integration of flexible energy assets in homes, businesses and communities and will ensure that these assets can optimise energy use for consumers, as well as allow consumers to participate in flexible demand management services as these become available.
The National Energy Affordability Taskforce has also been established by my Department to identify, assess and implement measures that will enhance energy affordability for households and businesses, while delivering key renewable commitments and protecting security of supply and economic stability. The core objectives of the Taskforce include drafting an interim plan identifying measures to support energy consumers and an Energy Affordability Action Plan. It will consider the use of smart technologies, such as those used by EnergyCloud, and other smart energy technology and service providers, to benefit energy poor households and other vulnerable citizens.
