220. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the energy affordability action plan in relation to the diversion of surplus renewable energy to homes experiencing energy poverty; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57998/26]

247. Deputy Donna McGettigan asked the Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment to provide an update on the commitment in the programme for Government to "Explore ways to use surplus renewable energy to help reduce energy poverty, ensuring that renewable energy benefits all communities."; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59441/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 247 together.

Ireland is fully committed to an ambitious and just green transition which is essential not only from a decarbonisation and environmental perspective, but is also needed to reduce our reliance on expensive and volatile imported fossil fuels.

This involves adopting appropriate new technologies and initiatives to support the integration of increasing volumes of renewables and further incentivise and support the use of surplus energy to reduce the amount of wasted energy. To this end, the Programme for Government commits to the use of surplus renewable energy to alleviate pressures experienced by those in energy poverty.

Imperfections and dispatch down are major challenges facing electricity systems, like ours, that are increasingly powered by renewables. These complex issues can only be addressed by taking a systematic and multi-faceted approach requiring investment in grid, storage and demand flexibility.

Officials in my Department have engaged extensively with relevant stakeholders to identify areas for cooperation in relation to tackling energy poverty and renewable energy waste.

There are a number of key measures currently underway to address these issues, including grid enhancement and interconnection, development of the National Energy Affordability Action Plan, the Electricity Storage Policy Framework, the National Hydrogen Programme, smart grid and demand response initiatives, and district heating solutions among others.

My Department will also lead the development of an integrated strategy on minimising the turndown of renewables. This will involve stakeholders from across the energy sector and will: (i) examine the underlying factors which lead to the turn down of renewables; and (ii) identify ways to absorb excess renewables at times of high output. It is expected that this work will overlap with other initiatives my Department already has up and running including the National Energy Affordability Taskforce (NEAT) and the development of a new Climate Action Plan.