opening statement - department of energy - climate change
TRANSCRIPT
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7/28/2019 Opening Statement - Department of Energy - Climate Change
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Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources
Statement by Ken Spratt, Assistant Secretary.
20 June 2013
Introduction
Thank you Chairman.
Perhaps I could begin by introducing my colleagues from the department. Brian Carroll is
responsible for Renewable and Sustainable Energy, Stjohn OConnor, is responsible for
Energy Efficiency. I am also joined by Mairad McCabe, who is responsible for Energy
Planning. Chairman, thank you for the invitation to address the Committee this afternoon
on the Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Bill. As Members will be aware, the
Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) leads on the
development of energy policy options, including energy policys interaction with
environmental policy and climate action goals.
DCENR and DECLG Collaborating to Implement Government Policy on Low Carbon
Roadmaps.
Chairman, I should first mention that our Department is fully committed to working closely
with our Environment colleagues on implementing Government policy on energy and
climate, including the development of a sectoral Roadmap for energy. In adopting a cross-
Departmental approach and aligning our respective roadmaps, the determination shared
across the board is for a robust framework which allows us to adopt appropriate measures
within realistic but ambitious timeframes.
We note that the explanatory note to Head 4 states that the national and sectoral low-carbon roadmaps are aimed at achieving transition to a low-carbon, climate resilient and
environmentally sustainable economy in a cost-effective way and as soon as possible (and
not later than 2050). From an energy policy perspective, our Department is mindful that
sustainability and cost effectiveness must be accompanied by paying due attention to
energy security. Adopting a rational and integrated approach in close discussion with other
Departments will, of course, facilitate the development of workable policy that is effective
in terms of sustainability and energy security.
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20/20/20
Chairman, its important to recall the other 20s from the 20/20/20 EU plan. While we are
focussing today on the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, the
European Council also committed to increase by 20% the energy efficiency in the EU and toreach 20% of renewables in total energy consumption in the EU.
We in DCENR are leading Irelands delivery of these other two 20s. While we are facing
many difficult challenges we are making very steady progress and are on track to reach
those goals. It is also important to note that reaching the energy efficiency goal, and the
renewable energy goal, will make a significant contribution to the greenhouse gas emissions
goal.
Complexity of Energy Policy and its Foundation on Three Pillars (security of supply,
sustainability and competitiveness)
Energy policy in Ireland, and indeed in most developed countries, is founded on the three
pillars of security of supply, competiveness and sustainability. More recently, as we
consider updating our Energy policy paper, we have been mindful of the opportunity that
energy policy presents in terms of growth and jobs. After the Presidency, we will turn our
attention to the policy paper and you will notice the significant focus on the jobs and
growth agenda which has been uppermost in Minister Rabbittes mind and indeed a major
focus for the Government.
Irelands Energy Mix
Chairman, it is important to understand the unique characteristics of our energy mix. We
are heavily dependent on imports of oil and gas from neighbouring markets. Against that
backdrop, our renewable energy capacity has continued to expand, with increasing use of
wind power feeding into the grid. Despite the difficult economic situation, reform and
modernisation of the energy market has been steady, with implementation of an all-island
electricity market, entry of new players into the competitive retail electricity and gas
markets, and substantial investment in infrastructure. Progressive liberalisation of the gas
and electricity markets has been a positive move. I have already mentioned our proactive
energy efficiency policy. We also wish to embrace the benefits of new energy technologies,
particularly demand side management tools on a smart grid, tailored to suit our local
circumstances.
Our efforts are aimed at making progress towards our 2020 goals and anticipate even
greater ambition after 2020. Meeting ambitious objectives and balancing competing values
will require considerable analysis and sound modelling at both national and European levels.
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The Need for Development of Accurate and Reliable Target Modelling
As we face the end of one era based on fossil fuel and transition towards another based on
establishing new energy systems based on renewable energy and incorporating new
technologies, we must employ sound data and evidence to develop accurate modellingscenarios which would enable us to make sound predictions on a more scientific basis,
across the range of sustainability, security and competitiveness. I note that Head 5 of the Bill
emphasises the need for due consideration to be given to the economic impacts of the
national and sectoral roadmaps. Thankfully, good work has been done on developing
sustainability focussed models, but much more needs to be done to develop good quality
predictors and models based on energy security and on competitiveness. We anticipate
working closely with colleagues in the other relevant departments to ensure the full impacts
of all options for the sectoral roadmaps are clear.
Chairman, if I may, I would like to touch briefly on a number of recent developments in
order to give the members some important background context in terms of the Irish energy
scene.
IEA Country Review of Ireland Report 2012
Firstly, the in-depth country review of Ireland which was conducted by the International
Energy Agency (IEA) in 2011 and reported upon in July 2012 contained many positive
comments on the direction being taken in the Irish energy market. In its key
recommendations, the IEA urged actions to support the drive towards a low-carbon
economy, including the development and deployment of new low-carbon technologies in
which Ireland has an advantage; ensuring that participation in regional energy markets
brings benefits to our consumers; and emphasising the balancing of local community
concerns with the benefits of critical energy infrastructure. It also recommended in its
report that we outline a plan for emissions reduction targets, update our position in relation
to developing low-carbon strategies and plans, clarify the position in relation to carbon tax,
and explore synergies between the energy and agricultural sectors so as to contribute to
GHG emissions. In addition, it identified a number of actions on continuing to strengthenour energy efficiency strategies and plans. Clearly, there is good alignment between the Bill
and the IEAs recommendations.
IEA World Energy Outlook for 2013 and IEA Energy Efficiency Report
Secondly, central to any future de-carbonisation strategy will be the maximisation of energy
efficiency opportunities, a point highlighted by the IEA in its report entitled Annual World
Energy Outlook Report 2013. Unlocking the energy efficiency potential on an economically
viable basis will remain a key focus of Irish energy policy. Indeed, yesterday, Minister
Rabbitte launched the Energy Efficiency Framework exemplar projects. Those projects will
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test new processes for procuring, contracting and financing energy and carbon saving
projects.
DCENR Renewable Energy Strategy
Thirdly, the National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP) sets out the Governments
strategic approach to deliver on Irelands target to achieve 16% of energy from renewable
sources by 2020. We aim to achieve 40% electricity consumption from renewable sources
by 2020. On the transport front, we are seeking to transform our oil dependency. A two
pronged strategy has been put in place which combines significant increases in the use of
biofuels with facilitating greater use of electric vehicles in Ireland. The Government has also
set a target of 12% renewable heat by 2020. A series of related and complementary support
programmes have been put in place to address the delivery of this target already, aimed at
supporting both demand and supply sides.
European Commission: Energy Roadmap 2050 and the 2030 Green Paper.
I should also mention the European Commissions Energy Roadmap 2050 and their Green
Paper on a 2030 Framework for Climate and Energy Policies. These important documents
refer to the close linkages between climate and energy policy development and
acknowledge the benefits of retaining a European approach to that policy post 2020.
Needless to say, the Department will ensure Irish interests are well represented in the
development of a combined approach on target identification and delivery. Indeed, the
work that we undertake on our sectoral roadmap will feed into our work on the 2030
Framework.
Recent Discussions on Energy Policy (Two Irish Presidency Energy Councils, Informal
meeting of EU Energy Ministers, SETPlan Conference and the May European Council)
Finally, I should briefly mention some of the work that we undertook during our Presidency
of the Council of the European Union. Minister Rabbitte chaired three Councils of Energy
Ministers, one an Informal meeting held at Dublin Castle. Good progress was made on
various legislative and other files including excellent discussions on the 2030 Framework
and on the need for renewed focus on facilitating energy efficiency.
Summary and Conclusion
To sum up Chairman, I wish to emphasise that our Department is acutely aware of its
responsibility as Ireland, Europe and the world transitions to a low carbon economy and
society. We are seized of the challenges that such a transition presents across a number of
fronts. We must play our part in minimising the rise in global temperatures as much as
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possible. We must achieve our long term carbon ambitions without damaging our national
competitiveness or undermining our energy security. We are setting about our interrelated
goals, within the legislative framework set by the Oireachtas, in collaboration with
colleagues in other Irish government departments and agencies. Our international
colleagues, in Europe and beyond, are also focussed on similar challenges and eager toengage, cooperate and succeed. We look forward to addressing and overcoming the
obstacles to a low carbon future.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have concerning the Bill and the
surrounding policy approach. Where we are not in a position to make an immediate
response, we would be happy to provide follow up information to the Members over the
coming days.
Thank you Chairman.