The publication by the Government of the long-delayed policy document on energy security is welcome, if overdue. It includes an imposing agenda for action, underlining in particular the vital role of the transition to renewable energy, delivered through the electricity network. Policies are also required to reduce or control energy demand in some areas and to bolster supply security. It is an imposing agenda which has already led to doubts about whether Ireland can meet its climate targets.
Above all, reading the documents points to the need for a coordinated approach across almost all government departments and many policy areas. It is clear that the work is under way – what is less obvious is whether it can progress at the requisite pace.
Delay is costly. A report into the threats of a shortfall in Ireland’s electricity generation by former senior civil servant Dermot McCarthy was completed last January but only published alongside the security review. It shows how earlier Government moves on various policy issues – such as the development of data centres – could have lessened the risks. Now, a Government decision on establishing an LNG storages facility – in a large ship moored off the coast – will not be taken until into next year, largely because of political sensitivities in the Green Party.
And then there is the elephant in the room– the need to speed the process of planning and consents for building the infrastructure needed to generate and deliver renewable energy. Eamon Ryan, the Minister for Energy, has warned of the risk of delays here. And yet we must wait for the final shape of the Government’s planning reforms until next year.
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This is the one of the most obvious risks to our energy transition. It affects not only the speed of development, but also the willingness of investors to back offshore projects and the ability to build essential electricity infrastructure. The environmental, social and economic costs of botching the energy transition would be enormous . We have the plans – it is now time for action.