Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 April 2026
174. Deputy William Aird asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment the measures being taken to ensure the continuity and security of electricity supply given the continued reliance on fossil fuels for more than half of electricity generation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27872/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government's 'Energy Security in Ireland to 2030' strategy set out a clear vision to move away from fossil fuels to an electricity-led energy system. Delivery of our ambitious renewable and electrification targets set out in the Climate Action Plan will be key in this regard.
Notwithstanding power generation decarbonisation objectives and increasing renewable electricity targets, the variable nature of some renewable technologies currently requires that dispatchable, typically fossil fuel, generation remains crucial for ensuring security of supply. The Government has set a target of having at least 2GW of new, flexible, gas-fired generation by 2030 in our Climate Action Plans to ensure secure generation of electricity at time of low renewable output and/or high demand. This allows for the integration of a large volume of wind and solar electricity projects that displace the need to run fossil fuel plants for baseload, without compromising security of supply.
In addition, increasing amounts of batteries, long duration storage, interconnector capacity and demand side response have also been procured in recent capacity market auctions which will lessen Ireland's dependence on fossil fuel imports in the coming years.
At this time, Ireland’s gas supply is secure, with no disruption expected in the short-term. In addition, the Government is developing a strategic emergency gas reserve to be used in the event of a disruption. Approximately 20% of Ireland’s gas is supplied domestically from the Corrib natural gas field, and we also have small volumes of indigenous biomethane being injected into the national gas network. The balance comes via Ireland’s two interconnectors with the UK. The UK’s gas supply is highly diversified with the majority coming from the UK Continental Shelf via the North Sea and Norway. Remaining gas is sourced from international markets via Liquified Natural Gas (LNG), UK gas storage and two interconnectors to the Continent.
In December 2025, the International Energy Agency (IEA) published an independent expert assessment of Ireland’s energy system with a specific focus on the role of the power sector to 2035 ‘Powering Ireland’s Energy Future.’ The IEA highlighted Ireland’s role as a global leader in integrating renewable energy, particularly wind, into our energy system, as electricity demand continues to increase. The report demonstrates that as the renewable portfolio expands, the capacity factors, or the amount of time gas fired generation will be required to run, will reduce dramatically.
