Ireland’s Energy Security in the Context of Brexit and the Renewable Energy Transition

Seminar overview

Ireland’s energy demands need to meet the objectives of the energy trilemma by being environmentally sound, economically viable and supplied from a secure source. Following on from COP21, and the subsequent Climate Action and Low Carbon Development Act (2015), the Government have set out a course to enable the State to pursue, and achieve, the transition to a low carbon, climate resilient and environmentally sustainable economy by  the end of the year 2050. But how will we get there and what are the short to medium term threats and opportunities that we will encounter along the way.

Seminar Aim

By inviting experienced experts and thought-leaders to present their views on Irelands energy security in the context of Brexit and the renewable energy transition, this seminar will provide attendees with a solid of understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Ireland and seeks to promote debate about how we can use these challenges and opportunities for the betterment of the Nation.

Learning Objectives

Delegates will learn:

• What the DCCAE’s position is on transitioning to a low carbon economy
• What options do we have to meet our long term energy and carbon objectives
• What engineering opportunities are available to us
• How climate change must influence policy-making in Ireland

Who Should Attend

• Those wishing to learn what thought-leaders and policy makers are saying about Brexit and the low carbon economy
• Those looking to contribute and offer their valued opinion on the matter
• Those seeking to get an understanding of what Ireland’s ambitions are in relation to a low carbon economy, and the challenges and opportunities facing the State in the short, medium and long terms

Programme

Programme includes:

09:30AM-11:00AM

1. Keynote address: Ireland’s commitment to security of supply and renewable energy | Senior Official from DCCAE – Tbc
2. “Future Energy Scenarios” consultation output | Marie Hayden, Eirgrid
3. Ireland’s fuel storage requirements |Shane Malone, O’Byrne Cleirigh & Pat Meehan, NORA
4. Q & A

11:30AM-01:00PM

1. Grid infrastructure and suitability of distribution system present and future | Speaker tbc
2. Planning/county development plans relationship with future renewables penetration and energy efficiency | Niall Cussen – Chief Planner, Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government
3. Renewable Gas penetration | PJ McCarthy, Renewable Gas Forum Ireland
4. Q & A

02:00PM-03:30PM

1. Interconnection with GB | Simon Ludlam, Element Power
2. Technical solutions to the possible impacts of Brexit | Paul Deane, UCC
3. Climate change at the centre of policy-making in Ireland | Professor Peter Thorn, Maynooth University/Citizens’ Assembly Expert Advisory Group
4. Q & A