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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

EnergyCloud demand flexibility

Summary

Deputy Donnelly asked the Government to support EnergyCloud’s proposal to connect appliances for demand flexibility and reduce wasted renewable energy. The Taoiseach said the organisation was valuable, would forward the proposal to the climate Minister, and promised a detailed reply.

EnergyCloud is a not-for-profit social enterprise. It works with partners including EirGrid, ESB, Wind Energy Ireland, local authorities and housing associations. Its aim is to reduce energy poverty. In the last seven years, €2.1 billion in surplus renewable energy was unused and wasted. Some €3 million worth of wind energy was wasted on 28 May this year. EnergyCloud has a simple ask:

If the Government were to announce a policy recommending that going forward all devices, heat pumps, batteries, [and] immersion controllers ... should be connected and support Demand Flexibility this would open the possibility of using the waste in a targeted fashion and future proof all new and upgraded homes.

It does not need legislation; it just needs a direction and a policy from the Department. Will the Taoiseach ask the Department to issue that?

Comment on this

I thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. EnergyCloud is a significant community-based organisation providing a significant service to the community, to the public at large and to the national effort. If he can send that to me, I will forward it to the Minister for climate.

Comment on this

It would cost just an extra €2.

Comment on this

We will look through the detail and get the Deputy a comprehensive response.

Comment on this