Written Answers Nos. 179-199
179. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to respond to reports of Government plans for six-month lockdowns if subsea cables are hit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72290/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Risk Assessment (NRA) 2023, prepared by the Minster for Defence in conjunction with the Office of Emergency Planning, specifically highlighted an elevated risk to energy infrastructure and singled out an attack on gas interconnectors between Ireland and the UK as a worst-case scenario. This assessment was influenced by incidents elsewhere at that time. My Department has responsibility for this risk and must ensure that mitigations are in place to reduce risk and highlight the need to protect the system against its occurrence.
On 3 December 2024, Exercise Cathal took place in the National Emergency Coordination Centre (NECC). The table-top exercise was led by my Department and tested the whole of government response to a prolonged gas outage in Ireland as a result of the two gas interconnectors being compromised.
While the implications of such a scenario are very significant, and it is likely that repair could take in the order of four to six months, weather dependent, a "six month lockdown" as referenced by the Deputy is not part of the response plans.
The learnings and next steps from the Exercise were presented to the Government Task Force (GTF) on Emergency Planning on 11 March 2025.
Since Exercise Cathal, the Government has progressed the establishment of a Strategic Emergency Gas Reserve which will act as a key mitigation against this risk. Protection of critical infrastructure, including subsea cables and pipelines, falls within the area of national security and as such it would be inappropriate to provide any further detail in that regard.
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) oversees the overarching emergency plans and works in conjunction with my Department in this regard. ESB Networks, EirGrid and Gas Networks Ireland have robust procedures in place, such as the Natural Gas Emergency Plan (NGEP), which is publicly available. These agencies regularly participate in simulation exercises to test a range of potential scenarios.
180. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment in relation to comments that energy companies were price gouging (details supplied), what measures he is taking to prevent energy companies from price gouging and to protect households from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72370/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra202. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of comments by the Taoiseach that energy companies were price gouging; if he agrees with these comments; the measures he is taking to prevent energy companies from price gouging and to protect households from this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72369/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he is aware of the comments at the Joint Oireachtas Committee Climate, Energy and Environment on 10 December 2025 that price gouging cannot be ruled out; the measures he will take to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72374/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 180, 202 and 203 together.
The electricity and gas retail markets in Ireland operate within an EU regulatory regime wherein these markets are commercial and liberalised. The Commissions for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) ended its regulation of retail prices in the electricity market in 2011, and in the gas market in 2014. Price setting by electricity suppliers is therefore a commercial matter for the companies concerned. Retail prices are influenced by several factors, including wholesale energy prices, system operation costs and supplier hedging. Regarding hedging, suppliers in Ireland were shown to have taken a prudent approach to hedging which had the benefit of protecting final customers from the worst effects of the wholesale price crisis. Conversely, hedging limits the ability of suppliers to reduce prices immediately in line with wholesale price shifts.
The IEA has observed that Irish retail prices have not adjusted at a comparable pace to the decline in wholesale prices, with the energy component of retail prices remaining up to three times that of wholesale prices. While the CRU has found no evidence of market failure or windfall profits in the retail sector in its market monitoring role, the IEA findings underline the importance of progressing the Programme for Government commitment to “commission an independent review into the speed and level of passthrough from wholesale prices to retail prices,”.
I have written to CRU to request that they commence this independent review, building on the work of previous CRU investigations by reviewing the competitiveness of Irish retail energy markets, examining supplier costs, including hedging and pricing practices, and providing comparative price analysis with other EU Member States. It will also assess whether measures are warranted to enhance market responsiveness to wholesale price changes, and make recommendations to ensure that the benefits of lower wholesale prices are felt by consumers. This report will inform the work of the National Energy Affordability Taskforce.
In addition, my Department, is transposing the new Electricity Market Design Directive 2024. This Directive requires regulators to ensure that suppliers implement appropriate hedging strategies to reduce the risk of supply failure.
181. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will review the policy whereby the SEAI offers grants for heat pump systems to homeowners whose homes were built and occupied before 2021, with the condition that the grant is available for first-time installations only; if he will include homeowners who initially installed a heat pump system, and are not eligible for grant aid for replacement systems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72681/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Michael Cahill asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will provide grants to replace renewable energy heating systems that have reached the end of their lifespan (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72184/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 181 and 197 together.
My Department funds a number of grant schemes, administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), to support homeowners improve the energy efficiency of their buildings, and to promote the adoption of renewable energy systems. These schemes have terms and conditions in place to ensure the transparent administration of public monies.
It is important to note that the grants available through the SEAI aim to maximise emissions reductions and deliver energy savings for the widest range of homeowners possible. The grants which are available, and their respective eligibility criteria, were designed to deliver significant energy savings to homeowners at the best value for money for the Exchequer. Since the funds that are available for energy efficiency are limited, my Department must prioritise their use where they will have the most impact.
Therefore, regarding support for the installation of a heat pump, grants will only be paid in relation to homes where solid fuel, oil/gas boiler or electrical heating (other than a heat pump) is present, or where there is no heating in situ. There is currently no plan to amend these criteria.
My Department, in partnership with the SEAI, continues to ensure that grant schemes terms and conditions, eligibility criteria, and rates are kept under review, taking account of demand, research, innovation, evolving technology and other relevant factors.
182. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of heat pumps installed since 2020 under the National Retrofitting Programme; the projected installation rate to 2030; and whether his Department has assessed alternative solutions for the 300,000+ rural homes unlikely to be retrofitted. [71512/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Climate Action Plan (CAP) sets out policies, measures and actions to achieve sectoral emissions ceilings for the residential sector.
The National Heat Study, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI), contains detailed analysis that is being used by my Department to inform the development of policies and measures to decarbonise Ireland’s heating by 2050. The study considered a number of potential decarbonisation options for a wide range of dwellings and business premises. The recommendation of the heat study is that heat pumps are the optimal decarbonisation path for heating systems in buildings, with district heating also being an option that can be widely deployed.
Since 2019, there has been a record level of over €1.6 billion invested in SEAI schemes to support almost 240,000 home energy upgrades, including over 81,000 BER B2s, 18,000 heat pump installations and over 32,000 fully-funded upgrades for households at risk of energy poverty under the Warmer Homes Scheme. In addition, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage funded a further 14,300 Local Authority upgrades, including over 7,250 heat pumps between 2019 to 2024. This means that over 25,000 heat pumps have been installed with Government support since 2019.
The Programme for Government 2025 commits to targeting older homes still using oil to switch to renewable heating systems and to consider the use of sustainable biofuels to reduce emissions from existing home boilers where deep retrofits are not possible in the short term. These commitments are framing the work underway to develop a Heat Policy Statement and the Roadmap to Phase Out Fossil Fuel Heating Systems which will jointly set out Ireland's overarching approach to decarbonising the heat sector.
Increasing the uptake of energy efficiency measures among homeowners continues to be a key priority for my Department working in partnership with the SEAI. Further policies and measures will be introduced on an annual basis to support the achievement of our retrofit and heat pump targets.
183. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will publish an analysis comparing the emissions savings from a 20% biofuel blend in existing boilers versus deep retrofitting and heat pump installation. [71513/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Heat Study, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, considered a number of potential decarbonisation options for a wide range of dwellings and business premises. These included the use of liquid biofuels, as well as heat pumps and district heating networks. While the recommendation of the Heat Study is that heat pumps are the optimal decarbonisation path for heating systems, the heat study also recognised the potential role for sustainable bioenergy for buildings that require alternative routes to decarbonisation. This is being considered as part of a suite of measures to decarbonise heat.
The Programme for Government 2025 commits to targeting older homes still using oil to switch to renewable heating systems and to consider the use of sustainable biofuels to reduce emissions from existing home boilers where deep retrofits are not possible in the short term. These commitments are framing the work underway to finalise a Heat Policy Statement and prepare a Roadmap to Phase Out Fossil Fuel heating systems, which will jointly set out Ireland's overarching approach to decarbonising the heat sector.
My Department is also working on the introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO). Under current proposals, the RHO will obligate suppliers of all fossil fuels used for heating purposes to ensure a proportion of the energy they supply is renewable. As such, all renewable fuels, including bioliquids used for heat that satisfy the sustainability criteria of the Renewable Energy Directive, will be considered eligible for certification under the scheme. Introduction of the RHO is a key objective for me, as Minister, with priority drafting of the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill 2025 now underway.
As part of the RHO development and design process, my Department completed two phases of analysis which included a full impact assessment on the scheme structure, considering critical factors, including the availability of renewable fuels to meet the obligation, the likely economic and social impact of the obligation, and resulting costs to end consumers. Detail in relation to each phase of analysis, including the full assessment carried out on potential obligation rates, is available on gov.ie at:
www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/renewable-heat-obligation/#general-scheme-design
184. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the progress on the Programme for Government commitment to consider the use of sustainable biofuels to reduce emissions from existing home boilers where deep retrofits are not possible, including timelines for implementation. [71514/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraHydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) is a bioliquid which can be used as a renewable energy source and which, in a transport context, is classified as a biofuel. HVO is currently available for consumers to purchase for use for both transport and heating. The Climate Action Plan includes a range of measures to address the use of fossil fuels in heating systems in buildings, with the National Heat Study, published by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, containing the detailed analysis that is informing the development of options to decarbonise the heating and cooling sectors in the period to 2050.
The Heat Study considered a number of potential decarbonisation options for a wide range of dwellings and business premises. These included the use of liquid biofuels such as HVO, solid biomass, biogases, as well as heat pumps and district heating networks. The recommendation of the Heat Study is that heat pumps are the optimal decarbonisation path for heating systems, with district heating also being an option that can be widely deployed. However, the Heat Study also recognised the potential role for sustainable bioenergy for buildings that require alternative routes to decarbonisation, and that is being considered as part of a suite of measures to decarbonise heat.
The Programme for Government 2025 commits to targeting older homes still using oil to switch to renewable heating systems and to consider the use of sustainable biofuels to reduce emissions from existing home boilers where deep retrofits are not possible in the short term. These commitments are framing the work underway to finalise a Heat Policy Statement and prepare a Roadmap to Phase Out Fossil Fuel heating systems, which will jointly set out Ireland's overarching approach to decarbonising the heat sector.
My Department is working on the introduction of a Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) for the heat sector. Under current proposals, the RHO will obligate suppliers of all fossil fuels used for heating purposes to ensure a proportion of the energy they supply is renewable. As such, all renewable fuels, including bioliquids used for heat that satisfy the sustainability criteria of the Renewable Energy Directive, will be considered eligible for certification under the scheme. The RHO Heads of Bill were approved by Government and drafting of the RHO legislation is currently underway.
185. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the rationale for setting initial Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) rates at 1.5% and 3%, given Departmental analysis indicating that achieving RES-H targets requires at least 15% by 2030; and whether he will revise these rates upward for liquid fuels. [71515/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra186. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will consider a phased trajectory for liquid fuels under the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO), starting at 5% and rising to 15% by 2030, as proposed by industry stakeholders' if he will publish his Department’s cost and emissions modelling for this approach. [71516/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 185 and 186 together.
Introduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) is a key priority for me, as Minister, with the primary objective of supporting the achievement of Ireland's renewable heating targets by the most cost-effective means available.
Design of the RHO has included two phases of analysis, stakeholder engagement activities, and extensive industry engagement. Feedback received informed a full impact assessment on the scheme structure, considering critical factors, including the availability of renewable fuels to meet the obligation, and the likely economic and social impact of the obligation. Results of this work informed the general scheme of the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill 2025, recently approved by Government.
Decisions made in relation to initial starting rates were based on an extensive examination of the scale of obligation required to meet Ireland’s renewable heat targets, and resulting impact on end consumer costs. While no final decisions have been taken in relation to the next RHO rate increase in year 3, or a final RHO target level, more ambitious rates have been examined that would enable us to meet our renewable energy and climate targets.
187. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to publish an assessment of the consumer cost impact of introducing a 5% biofuel blend for home heating; and whether his Department will review excise and carbon tax treatment of renewable fuels to offset additional costs. [71517/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraTax policy is a matter for my colleague the Minister of Finance, and any queries the Deputy may have in relation to the treatment of excise and carbon tax should be addressed to the Department of Finance in the first instance.
As part of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) development and design process, my Department completed two phases of analysis which included a full impact assessment on the scheme structure, considering critical factors, including the availability of renewable fuels to meet the obligation, the likely economic and social impact of the obligation, and resulting costs to end consumers. Detail in relation to each phase of analysis, including the full assessment carried out on potential obligation rates, is now available at: www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/publications/renewable-heat-obligation/
Introduction of the RHO is a key objective for me, with priority drafting of the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill 2025 now underway. Once finalised in early 2026, I intend to submit the Renewable Heat Obligation Bill, along with any further information in relation to obligation rates and consumer costs, for Government approval to publish.
188. Deputy Naoise Ó Cearúil asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the legislative timeline for the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO), including expected enactment and commencement dates; and whether contingency plans exist if the 2026 start date proves unachievable. [71518/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIntroduction of the Renewable Heat Obligation (RHO) is a key objective for me, as Minister. Priority drafting of the RHO Bill 2025 is now underway with an expected completion date in early 2026. Once finalised, I intend to submit the final scheme for Government approval to publish and to ensure its timely enactment in 2026.
189. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide the weekly application numbers for County Clare for the warmer homes scheme from 2021 to 2025, in tabular form. [71524/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Warmer Homes Scheme aims to improve the energy efficiency and warmth of homes owned by people at risk of energy poverty by providing fully funded retrofits. The scheme is operated by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) on behalf of my Department and is funded through carbon tax receipts and the European Regional Development Fund.
The specific information requested by the Deputy relates to operational matters and is not routinely supplied by the SEAI to my Department. It is suggested that the Deputy contact the SEAI directly.
The SEAI has established a specific email address for queries from Oireachtas members so that such queries can be addressed promptly and in line with the SEAI’s objective to deliver services to the highest standards. The email address is oireachtas@seai.ie.
190. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment if he will commit to incorporating a provision in the renewal of Ministerial approval for a group (details supplied) that will compel the approved body to establish and implement a mechanism for payment of the net necessary cost of collection and recycling to any RMO that can verifiably demonstrate the processing of obligated farm plastic, subject to an audited validation process, thereby ensuring a fair return for all market participants who contribute to national compliance targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [71578/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Waste Management (Farm Plastics) Regulations 2001, producers of farm plastic products must establish a deposit and refund scheme for farm plastic waste or participate in an approved compliance scheme for the recovery and recycling of this waste stream.
Since the introduction of the farm plastics extended producer responsibility (EPR) model, producers have opted to participate in the compliance scheme which is run by the Irish Farm Film Producers' Group (IFFPG). IFFPG is a not-for-profit organisation owned by its producer members and the IFA, operating under Ministerial Approval.
IFFPG manages the collection and recycling of farm plastic waste on behalf of its members and funds its operations from producer fees and collection charges. The setting of fees and charges, as well as commercial arrangements for the collection and recycling of this waste stream, are operational matters for IFFPG and its Board.
An application for approval to act as a compliance scheme for farm plastic waste has been submitted by IFFPG and is currently being assessed. As per the 2001 Regulations, IFFPG’s performance regarding measures taken and effects of these measures with regard to the recovery of farm plastic waste, achievement of targets, and nature and frequency of information provided to the Department and the financial stability of the Scheme, are all under consideration as part of this process.
191. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the way in which the National Marine Planning Framework ensures that the full picture of all activities in our national marine space are considered when drafting and designating the locations of marine protection areas. [71677/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Marine Planning Framework (NMPF) brings together all marine-based human activities for the first time, outlining Government’s vision, objectives and marine planning policies for each marine activity. The NMPF details how these marine activities will interact with each other in an ocean space that is under increasing spatial pressure, ensuring the sustainable use of our marine resources to 2040. The NMPF also outlines the supporting actions the Government considers necessary to effectively manage marine activities across the NMPF’s environmental, economic, and social pillars.
This NMPF is a key consideration for decision makers on all marine authorisations or applications for activity and development in Ireland’s maritime area, including those made within the new plan-led development system legislated for under the Maritime Area Planning Act 2021. Public decision making bodies are statutorily obliged to consider proposals in terms of their consistency with the objectives set out in the NMPF. The NMPF provides the overarching marine planning structure to ensure that decision making is consistent, evidence-based and focused on the sustainable future of our maritime area.
The decision to transfer the marine environment function from the Department of Housing Local Government and Heritage allows us to integrate the vital policy strands of maritime planning, sustainable use and protection of the marine environment. By doing this, we are able to plan and implement all the activities we need in our marine space in a sustainable manner while achieving and maintaining Good Environmental Status in our seas as required by the Marine Strategy Framework Directive so that they are clean, healthy and productive.
Marine protected areas (MPAs) are part of the toolkit we can use to ensure that we meet this environmental goal. The expansion of Ireland’s MPA network will take account of maritime spatial planning needs and socioeconomic and cultural interests in the maritime area. As part of the MPA process so far, there has been extensive engagement with stakeholders, sectors and the wider public. It is envisaged that such engagement and participation will be a cornerstone of MPA delivery into the future, supported by the MPA LIFE Ireland project and the wider work of the Department.
The proposed Maritime Area Protection (Marine Protected Areas Amendment) Bill will allow for the designation of MPAs by using Designated Maritime Area Plan process. This will provide for full stakeholder and public consultation for this designation process on a statutory basis.
192. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the timeline for publishing the heads of bill for the private wires legislation. [71754/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra193. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether he will seek a waiver for pre legislative scrutiny of the private wires legislation. [71758/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 192 and 193 together.
Having received Government approval for the Private Wires Policy Statement in July this year, my Department has initiated the process of drafting the subsequent necessary Private Wires legislation.
The General Scheme received Government approval this week. The Heads of Bill along with the Regulatory Impact Assessment will shortly be published on the Department’s website.
A waiver for pre legislative scrutiny will not be sought.
194. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment whether he has received reports from electricity network operators of outages from fluctuations in frequencies in the grid related to data centres causing issues; and the measures adopted to mitigate their effects. [71756/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraEirGrid (Ireland’s Transmission System Operator (TSO)) and SONI (Northern Ireland’s TSO) are responsible for operating and developing the respective transmission systems of Ireland and Northern Ireland in a secure and coordinated manner, while also strategically planning for long-term electricity needs. System frequency deviations occur for a wide range of reasons and on an on-going basis. These are proactively managed by the System Operator to maintain system stability. Frequency disturbances associated with Data Centres largely arise as a result of how these demand units respond to other faults on the System.
EirGrid has proposed a Grid Code Modification to ensure that Data Centres improve how they respond to faults on the system which will in turn reduce frequency fluctuations related to Data Centres. My Department has supported this process through facilitated workshops with Industry and are actively engaging with EirGrid and CRU on this matter. The Grid Code Modification is due to be submitted to the CRU in Jan 2026.
195. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the number of islanded data centres contracted to connect to the gas network; the number connected to the gas network of those contracted; the number awaiting connection to the gas network of those contracted; the number of formal enquiries that have been received but which are not contracted; and, for each category, the amount of capacity involved, in tabular form. [71755/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is understood that the term ‘islanded’ is intended to refer to a data centre fuelled mainly or wholly by fossil fuel and / or a data centre that does not have an electricity connection sufficient to cover its entire energy requirement.
I am advised that it is important to note that Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) does not assign or classify data centres as between “islanded” and “non-islanded”. The exact status of a data centre is primarily a function of the timelines (if any) pertaining to when that data centre will receive an electricity connection to allow them to move to electricity as their primary source.
The gas connection policy, and so GNI’s application process, does not currently require information as to alternative fuel sources and GNI does not formally collect information as to whether a data centre would be ‘islanded’ or indeed the anticipated duration of same.
GNI has provided the following information relating to the connection agreements entered into by GNI in relation to all data centres, together with information as to additional connection applications. This information relates to all formal applications for connection to GNI’s network, including so called ‘islanded’ data centres.
|
Category |
Number |
Aggregated Max Hourly Load (MW) |
|
Data Centres contracted to connect to the gas network |
11 |
2,100 |
|
Connected to the gas network (of those contracted) |
7 |
1,778 |
|
Awaiting connection to the gas network (of those contracted) |
4 |
322 |
|
Formal outstanding applications received from Data Centre Sites (but not contracted) |
16 |
5,456** |
*Of the 11 that are contracted, 7 are connected whereby 5 of those data centres connected are currently consuming gas
**Projected demand from these enquiries’ ranges from 40.5MW up to 1,300MW; the aggregated demand represents the total developer’s strategic long-term ambition which would be dependent on multiple factors including; ability to gain planning permission for multiple phases, availability of electricity grid capacity, permitting, data centre storage demand and route to market to fund these projects.
Government policy remains that ‘islanded’ data centres (that are not connected to the electricity grid and are powered mainly by on-site fossil fuel generation) would not be in line with national policy.
The new CRU connection policy focused on electricity connections and did not introduce any new decisions relating to connections to the gas network, however I am advised that CRU is actively engaging and will consult with GNI separately on this in the near term.
196. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the amount his Department has spent on translation services from a company (details supplied) for the years 2020 to 2025 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72062/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no record of using the services of the company identified during the specified timeframe.
198. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total amount of battery storage available on the Irish electrical grid as of the latest figures; the capacity added in 2025 and the projected amount to be added in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72339/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraGrid scale electricity storage systems including battery electricity storage systems play a vital role in Irelands energy transition by maximising the incorporation of renewable generated electricity, providing targeted demand flexibility to the grid, supporting grid build out and ensuring the proper functioning of the grid through system services.
As of November 2025, the system operators, EirGrid and ESB Networks, report that electricity storage systems with the capacity of 1,048 MW (megawatts) are connected to the grid network. One pumped hydro storage facility, Turlough Hill Co. Wicklow, accounts for 292 MW of this capacity with the remaining 756 MW provided by Stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems (S-BESS).
By comparison, approximately 4,350 MW of gas generation, 5,100 MW of wind generation and 2,100 MW of solar generation are connected to the grid network.
As of November, no additional electricity storage capacity have been reported as energised onto either the transmission or distribution grids in 2025, however, EirGrid currently has 28 storage projects totalling 1,698 MW with connection contracts pending fulfilment.
In support of Electricity Storage Systems, my Department published the Electricity Storage Policy Framework for Ireland in July 2024, which included 10 Government actions.
Action 6 of the policy framework supports the immediate procurement of 500 MW of Demand Flexibility Products by ESB Networks and 500 MW of Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) by EirGrid to meet specific network needs.
The first round of the ESB Networks Demand Flexibility Product, contracting 109MW of flexible capacity across 16 locations on to the distribution grid, is now live.
The EirGrid Long Duration Electricity Storage (LDES) product will incorporate electricity storage technologies with a minimum duration of 4 hours. The first contracts are expected to be signed in 2027, with the assets delivered by end of 2030.
199. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total amount of wind power generation on the Irish grid as of the latest figures; the capacity added in 2025; and the projected amount to be added in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72340/25]
Amharc ar fhreagra200. Deputy Ciarán Ahern asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the total amount solar power generation on the Irish grid as of the latest figures; the capacity added in 2025; and the projected amount to be added in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [72341/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 199 and 200 together.
The Programme for Government 2025 reaffirmed Ireland’s targets of 80% of electricity demand to be met by renewable energy sources, including a target of 9GW of onshore wind generation and 8 GW of solar generation as part of a strategy to decarbonise our power system.
SEAI has calculated the share of energy from renewable sources in gross final consumption of electricity was 41.4% in 2024, up from 40.4% in 2023. Furthermore, according to SEAI, over the last 12 months, 48.3% of indigenous electricity generation was from renewables.
EirGrid's Monthly Renewables Release for November provides provisional data showing 41% of electricity was generated from renewables, up from 34% in the same month last year. The majority of this renewable electricity came from wind with it accounting for 35% of all electricity used last month.
Ireland currently has circa 7.7 GW of installed renewable generation capacity, up from 1.2 GW in 2015. Onshore wind is the largest contributor with circa 5.1 GW of capacity. This is complemented by circa 1.7 GW of solar PV capacity, with Small-scale, Mini and Microgeneration, along with hydro, biomass, and other small sources contributing the remainder. Approximately 1.3 GW of this total has been added in 2025.
Government policy is focused on maintaining this momentum through 2026 and beyond as we deliver on the transition to a renewables led system. This will involve the development of a balanced portfolio of technologies, including solar, storage and flexibility services to complement other measures such as demand-side response, network development and interconnection to ensure a safe and secure electricity system with increased levels of renewables.
This will require unprecedented levels of investment in renewable electricity generation development and in the infrastructure required to expand and strengthen our electricity grid.
The Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce was established to accelerate and increase the deployment of onshore renewable electricity generation by ensuring that barriers to the implementation of policies are removed or minimised to the greatest extent possible.
