The STaTe of Ireland 2016 - Engineers Ireland

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A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

The STaTe of Ireland 2016 a revIew of InfraSTrucTure In Ireland

www.engineersireland.ie www.engIneerSIreland.Ie 1

contents Director General’s foreword

3

Executive summary

4

Energy Advisory Group

5

Abbreviations and definitions

5

Summary of key recommendations 2016

6

Grading system

6

Energy

8

Communications

25

Transport

26

Water supply and wastewater

28

Flood management and water quality

29

Waste

30

2 engIneerS Ireland

with over 23,000 members from every discipline of engineering, engineers Ireland is the voice of the engineering profession in Ireland. we have been representing the engineering profession since 1835, making us one of the oldest and largest professional bodies in Ireland. our members represent every discipline of engineering, and range from engineering students to fellows of the profession. our responsibilities are to: ■ promote knowledge of engineering ■ establish and maintain standards of professional engineering and engineering education ■ provide opportunities for continuing professional development (cPd) for engineers ■ maintain standards of professional ethics and conduct ■ ensure that professional titles are granted to qualified candidates, and ■ act as the authoritative voice of the engineering profession in Ireland

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

DIRECTOR GENERAL’S FOREWORD The sixth in an annual series of independent reports on Ireland’s infrastructure, ‘The State of Ireland 2016’ is a timely intervention in the conversation about Ireland’s future. After more than six years of recession, we have arrived at a period of

infrastructure networks. in 2016, we have taken a different approach and

sustained, though fragile, growth. According to the european

developed a new methodology for assessment. the main body of the

commission country report for ireland (february 2016), the strong

report focuses primarily on the energy sector, with short updates on the

rebound of the irish economy has broadened and gained further

other four areas of communications, transport, waste and water. these

momentum. legacy issues nevertheless persist, and the commission

other areas will be focussed on in depth in future state of ireland reports.

identifies infrastructure needs as one of our key remaining challenges.

ireland’s energy infrastructure is critical to our competitiveness and is of particular importance as we move to a carbon-free society. As an island

Infrastructure for prosperity

nation, security of supply is paramount to ensure the health and

if ireland is to prosper, infrastructural development will be an essential

well-being of our citizens. As a member of the european union and the

contributory factor. High-quality infrastructure is an important element of

global community, our commitments under the eu renewable energy

a modern society and economy. it strengthens economic growth through

directive and coP21 mean that we have to develop a more efficient and

enhancing efficiency, productivity and competitiveness. it also underpins

sustainable energy system, moving away from fossil fuels and greenhouse

social cohesion through providing vital facilities for citizens. engineers

gas (GHG) emissions. this type of shift to renewable fuels requires

ireland firmly believes that our public investment programme must

investment in new technologies and infrastructure to support the

increase significantly if we are to meet increased demands for a modern

transition from a high-carbon, fuel import economy to one that is carbon

european public infrastructure. the current capital Plan ‘Building on

free and practically self-sufficient. this transition period will require

recovery’ (Bor) (2015), which presents the Government’s commitment to

leadership and long-term planning to develop and build the infrastructure

exchequer investment of €27 billion over the six-year period 2016-2021,

required. courageous decisions will have to be made now to ensure that

falls short of addressing the gap. we strongly urge the new Government to

future generations enjoy a carbon-free society by 2100. these decisions

initiate the mid-term review provided for in Bor, and commit to increased

will have to be supported by the public and a transition of this nature is

funding that is both adequate to meet the investment level required and

heavily dependent on their engagement.

provides certainty to the public, investors and industry. importantly, any increased investment must be the result of an evidence-based discussion

Expert opinion

about long-term planning. infrastructure policy, planning and

the energy section of this report has received input from a large group of

decision-making are inexorably linked to the political process because of

experienced engineers, working in organisations that specialise in energy

the use of public funds. Political leadership is therefore required in

infrastructure. the consolidation of their opinions into this report over a

determining what kind of future societal and economic model we wish to

series of round table discussions is designed to inform those who make

have, where we allocate resources and how we build consensus to support

policy and capital investment decisions about infrastructure in ireland,

decision-making for the long term. Addressing a round table discussion

including permanent members of Government as well as private investors.

with industry leaders and senior policy makers, hosted by engineers

we hope that the report gives rise to debate on the future development of

ireland earlier this year, institution of civil engineers (ice) President sir

ireland’s infrastructure and that attention is paid to the recommended

John Armitt described a similar challenge faced in the uK, which led to the

actions, which we believe are essential to the continued growth of the irish

establishment of the national infrastructure commission – an

economy and to achieving our renewable energy, GHG and energy

independent body whose remit is long-term strategic decision-making to

efficiency targets.

build effective and efficient infrastructure for the uK.

i would like to thank all those who gave up their time to contribute to this year’s report. the knowledge and experience of our diverse membership

Single entity needed

has resulted in an informed document, which comments on policy that

engineers ireland has advocated for the establishment of a single entity

affects us all.

charged with prioritising integrated infrastructure development in this country. there are many examples internationally of how such an entity could be structured to best support the determination and implementation of policy on infrastructure – decoupled from the electoral cycle. this entity would also be responsible for co-ordinating a long-term, cross-sectoral approach to building political and public consensus and understanding on national infrastructure performance, under a range of possible futures. the annual ‘state of ireland’ report is a further contribution by engineers ireland on the performance, capability and condition of ireland’s key

Caroline Spillane Director General

engIneerS Ireland 3

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY this report looks at five key areas of infrastructure –

enlighten and empower the energy

communications, energy, transport, water and waste. our

citizen, are necessary.

engineering experts assign grades based on the current

the introduction of res in

status of key infrastructure and its ability to meet

electricity generation has

future demand. A number of action

progressed well through the

items for the short and medium

public service obligation

term are also recommended.

(Pso) and other financial

in 2016, energy infrastructure has

incentives for developers.

been examined in greater detail,

technological advances and the

given the recent publication of the

development of additional res to

department of communications,

generate electricity will all contribute

climate change and natural

to the successful achievement of the

resources (dcccnr) energy white

target (res-e).

Paper and the approaching deadline of

Government leadership is required to

2020, the limit for achieving the first

drive through the changes required

set of renewable energy source (res),

in the heating/cooling (thermal) and

energy efficiency and carbon

transport sectors.

emission targets.

Policy makers should learn from tools

like the rest of europe, ireland

such as the Pso and incentive schemes

is obliged under the eu

like refit, which were successfully used

renewable energy directive to

to introduce renewable energy into

achieve certain targets and

electricity generation and apply these to

contribute to the global move towards a sustainable energy

assist with accelerating efforts to reach the res-H and res-t targets.

supply that is secure and affordable. failure to achieve these

Policy action

targets could result in significant fines

Policy changes for specific technological actions that result in the

from the eu.

introduction of more sources of res infrastructure are required,

ireland is on track to achieve the national res for electricity

including building anaerobic digestion plants to generate biogas, as

generation target (res-e). However, ireland needs to accelerate its

well as deep retrofits of domestic, commercial and public buildings

efforts, as based on its current trajectory it is not likely to reach the

to reduce energy demand and decrease the amount of renewables

res targets for heating/cooling (thermal) (res-H) and transport

required to achieve the 2020 target and beyond.

(res-t). the knock-on effect is not achieving the overall res.

ireland’s private car fleet makes the biggest contribution to co2

similarly, the energy efficiency and carbon emission goals are likely

emissions, and should be tackled as a priority, given that it is almost

to be missed.

all fossil fuel burning, with only a small portion of electric vehicles (evs) in private ownership. improvements in technology, financial

Renewable energy

incentives and changes in attitude towards electric cars are all

ireland’s energy efficiency performance is inadequate and a

required to ensure the shift that is required in the majority mindset.

significant change in how we consider and measure energy

our research capabilities are vibrant and diverse and should remain

efficiency is required to ensure that it becomes part of long-term

so, with particular focus on developing technologies that exploit the

infrastructure planning in the future. A new approach to planning in

natural resources we have on our doorstep.

ireland is required and a non-departmental independent body

All of our efforts must be supported by adequate legislation, which

should be established to look at strategic infrastructure.

allows for infrastructure planning and development that ensures the

ireland’s citizens have a huge role to play in ensuring that ireland

delivery of large infrastructure projects.

successfully achieves all of the targets. changes in behaviour with regard to how we use energy, and more accepting attitudes towards

Other areas

new technologies, will be required. Adult and school-based

shorter updates on communications, transport, water and waste

education programmes, and stakeholder awareness campaigns to

infrastructure are contained at the back of this report.

4 engIneerS Ireland

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

ENERGY ADVISORY GROUP

■ John Ahern, Managing director, indaver

■ Paul Hickey, Manager, systems and sustainability, esB networks

■ Dermot Byrne, vice President, engineers ireland (deputy chairman)

■ Fionnuala Kilbane, editor, 53ten technical communications

■ Kelley Cousins, Marketing and communications,

■ Dónal Kissane, chairman, energy and environment division

engineers ireland

(Gas networks ireland)

■ Geraldine Ann Cusack, senior Business specialist, energy

■ Eoghan Lynch, Group leader ireland, Arup

and environment, siemens

■ Cormac Madden, regulation and strategy, esB

■ Prof. Tony Day, executive director, international energy

■ Terry Nolan, energy consultant

research centre

■ Colm O’Mahony, energy sector Head, PM Group

■ Dr Paul Deane, senior researcher, energy Policy and

■ Paul O’Reilly, Partner, ors

Modelling Group, ucc

■ Damien Owens, registrar, engineers ireland

■ Tom Egan, Head of PowerGen, Bórd na Móna

■ Tina Raleigh, director, energy Projects, fehily timoney & co.

■ Dr Kieran Feighan, vice President, engineers ireland (chairman)

■ John Ringwood, director, centre for ocean energy research,

■ John Fitzgerald, director, Grid development and interconnection, eirGrid

nui Maynooth ■ PJ Rudden, Group Business director ireland and uK infrastructure, rPs Group

■ Paddy Hayes, executive director, Generation and wholesale Markets, esB

■ Henry Smyth, Head of economic regulation and technical,

■ Brendan Heneghan, interim ceo, irish wind energy Association

ervia

(iweA)

ABBREVIATIONS AND DEFINITIONS BEF



BOS CCS CER

– – –

CFRAM



CHP



CNG – CO2 – DCCCNR –

EV



better energy financing scheme biofuels obligation scheme carbon capture and storage commission for energy regulation catchment flood risk assessment and management combined heat and power compressed natural gas carbon dioxide department of communications, climate change and natural resources electric vehicle

FiT GHG PAYS PSO

– – – –

PV REFIT

– –

RES RES-E

– –

RES-H



RES-T



feed-in tariff greenhouse gas pay-as-you-save scheme public service obligation levy photovoltaic renewable energy feed in tariff renewable energy sources renewable energy sources contribution to electricity generation renewable energy sources contribution to heating/cooling energy renewable energy sources contribution to transport energy

RHI SEAI

– –

renewable heat incentive sustainable energy Authority of ireland tCO2 – total carbon dioxide, a measure of carbon dioxide Waste-to-energy - or energy-from-waste (EfW) is the process of generating energy in the form of electricity and/or heat from the primary treatment of waste. renewable energy from waste is generated from a source that can be replenished including municipal solid waste and landfill gas.

engIneerS Ireland 5

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

SUMMARY OF KEY RECOMMENDATIONS 2016 ENERGY

C

12-month

■ continue to diversify ireland’s electricity fuel generation mix and

■ develop an implementation plan with clear targets and milestones, which details actions around the many ambitions identified in the energy white Paper

■ Progress the north–south interconnector to further bolster security of supply and reduce cost to the consumer, as well as exploring other interconnection options with a view to developing them if and when appropriate

expand the renewables base ■ Maintain investment in the transmission and distribution networks to meet the needs of a growing economy and the transition from fossil fuels to renewables ■ explore technology solutions such as energy storage and further interconnection to address variable renewable generation ■ encourage renewable energy in ireland and harness ireland’s already

■ Publish details regarding the renewable Heat incentive (rHi) in 2016 as promised, prioritising large industry to commence switching to renewable energy, which should dovetail with smaller industry and domestic residences

identified naturally occurring renewable resources ■ carry out a deep retrofit of ireland’s domestic dwellings and public buildings to reduce energy demand and increase energy efficiency ■ convert the 900,000 homes that are not connected to the gas network,

■ Accelerate education programmes for communities and individuals on the benefits of energy efficiency and switching to renewable fuels through retrofitting their homes or community-driven district heating

and which use solid fuel or oil for heat, to an appropriate electric heating solution ■ incentivise the production of biogas from anaerobic digestion plants to enable 20% of natural gas be displaced by biogas from the gas

systems ■ the Government should lead by example, with ministers encouraged to replace their existing fossil fuel-powered cars with hybrids or electric vehicles (evs)

distribution system ■ encourage industrial locations that are off the natural gas network to implement biomass solutions for their thermal (heating/cooling)

■ irish state agency car, van and bus fleets should also be progressively converted to electric, compressed natural gas (cnG) and hybrid modes, respectively, with the cnG network rolled out as planned

requirements ■ Accelerate the purchase of evs by irish consumers through soft incentives such as the use of bus corridors, revisiting the registration tax and exploring other financial incentives

Five-year

■ continue to build out the necessary charging infrastructure to keep

■ review and revise energy policy every three to five years, and inform the process with reports on progress made, gaps to target and new technological developments

pace with ev adoption ■ ensure that public transport is more accountable in delivering the res-t and carbon emission targets

GrAdinG systeM Analysis of key areas of infrastructure includes a straightforward grading system. Engineers Ireland has assessed each area of infrastructure using the following grades:

GrAdinG scAle A = 90-100% B = 80-89% C = 70-79% D = 51-69% E = 50% or lower

6 engIneerS Ireland

ABCDE

Well maintained, in good condition, appropriate capacity and planning for future development

Acceptable standard, properly maintained, able to meet demand, though investment needed in the next five years

Inadequately maintained, and/or unable to meet peak demand, and requiring significant investment

Below standard, poorly maintained, frequent inability to meet capacity and requiring immediate investment to avoid adverse impact on national economy

Unacceptable condition, insufficient capacity, and already impacting on the national economy

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

COMMUNICATIONS

B

Five-year ■ Place an immediate focus on eliminating current boil water

12-month ■ Award the national Broadband Plan (nBP) intervention to a contractor(s) and confirm the deployment schedule nationally

■ continue the roll-out of the 4G mobile networks nationally and protect the quality of traditional mobile services such as voice

notices and ensure that the risk of further notices is addressed by 2021 ■ Progress construction of required wastewater infrastructure so as to achieve compliance with the urban waste water treatment directive and eliminate the 45 untreated discharges by 2021

■ continue to reduce service costs when rates and speeds are not equal in rural/urban areas Five-year

FLOOD MANAGEMENT AND WATER QUALITY

■ roll-out of affordable high-speed broadband services nationally ■ ireland’s national broadband infrastructure should be in the top five of european league tables in terms of availability, uptake and speed

C

12-month ■ continue to engage with local communities to develop specific measures for each regional area

■ continue to research and develop the network in anticipation of 5G services

impacted by flooding ■ complete the flood risk management plans, setting out the long-term strategy for flood risk management

TRANSPORT

■ complete the second cycle of river basin management plans

12-month

C

■ Progress funding mechanisms for delayed national road projects countrywide ■ improve road management systems in conjunction with increased road maintenance funds

■ Progress development of second runway at dublin Airport ■ develop solution for north dublin and dublin Airport rail

Five-year ■ develop a national future flood forecasting service ■ implement the measures and actions set out in the flood risk management plans in a timely manner ■ Provide annual updates on the progress of the implementation of the water framework directive

■ continue to invest in improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, in particular in the major cities

WASTE Five-year

12-month

■ Accelerate the prioritisation of investment in infrastructure projects to increase ireland’s competitiveness and address the unemployment challenge

C

■ continue the roll-out of the organic waste supporting the national transition to pay-by-weight charging

■ Progress the planning process for port redevelopments in cork and Galway

collection system to households and businesses,

■ compile and publish a live register of waste treatment facilities to

■ Agree standards for data formats and communication protocols for integrated traffic systems to enable information sharing ■ continue to work towards the development of an integrated, frequent

support the roll-out of future investment ■ identify weaknesses in the current policy environment, such as ineffective economic instruments, which are not supporting

and reliable network of public transport services in our cities,

investment in new infrastructure, and communicate the findings to

including integrating fare structures across bus and rail modes

policy makers Five-year

WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER

D

■ ensure that the necessary policy environment and

12-month

infrastructure is put in place to deliver the prevention and

■ ensure that ireland preserves a public water

recycling targets as set out in the regional waste management

utility as the best way of ensuring that the water industry is brought to the standards required by a modern economy

■ ensure that adequate funding is available to allow the utility to meet its objectives, including eliminating boil notices and reducing the number of supplies at risk ■ Provide investment in infrastructure capacity to support critical housing needs and employment growth

plans ■ Prioritise the development of indigenous waste treatment facilities including anaerobic digestion and biological treatment capacity, soil recovery capacity, mechanical processing capacity and additional thermal recovery capacity ■ review the need for contingency landfill capacity as a national backstop to prevent serious waste-related events that threaten the health of citizens and our environment

engIneerS Ireland 7

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

ENERGY

OVERALL GRADE

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016 12-MONTH

C SECTOR GRADE Energy efficiency:

D

Electricity (RES-E):

B

Heating/cooling (RES-H):

C

Transport (RES-T):

C

■ develop an implementation plan with clear targets and milestones, which details actions around the many ambitions identified in the energy white Paper ■ Progress the north–south interconnector to further bolster security of supply and reduce cost to the consumer, as well as exploring other interconnection options with a view to developing them if and when appropriate ■ Publish details regarding the renewable Heat incentive (rHi) in 2016 as promised, prioritising large industry to commence switching to renewable energy, which should dovetail with smaller industry and domestic residences ■ Accelerate education programmes for communities and individuals on the benefits of energy efficiency and switching to renewable fuels through retrofitting their homes or community-driven district heating systems ■ the Government should lead by example, with ministers encouraged to replace their existing fossil fuel-powered cars with hybrids or electric vehicles (evs) ■ irish state agency car, van and bus fleets should also be progressively converted to electric, compressed natural gas (cnG) and hybrid modes, respectively, with the cnG network rolled out as planned

FIVE-YEAR ■ review and revise energy policy every three to five years, and inform the process with reports on progress made, gaps to target and new technological developments

8 engIneerS Ireland

■ continue to diversify ireland’s electricity fuel generation mix and expand the renewables base ■ Maintain investment in the transmission and distribution networks to meet the needs of a growing economy and the transition from fossil fuels to renewables ■ explore technology solutions such as energy storage and further interconnection to address variable renewable generation ■ encourage renewable energy in ireland and harness ireland’s already identified naturally occurring renewable resources ■ carry out a deep retrofit of ireland’s domestic dwellings and public buildings to reduce energy demand and increase energy efficiency ■ convert the 900,000 homes that are not connected to the gas network, and which use solid fuel or oil for heat, to an appropriate electric heating solution ■ incentivise the production of biogas from anaerobic digestion plants to enable 20% of natural gas be displaced by biogas from the gas distribution system ■ encourage industrial locations that are off the natural gas network to implement biomass solutions for their thermal (heating/cooling) requirements ■ Accelerate the purchase of evs by irish consumers through soft incentives such as the use of bus corridors, revisiting the registration tax and exploring other financial incentives ■ continue to build out the necessary charging infrastructure to keep pace with ev adoption ■ ensure that public transport is more accountable in delivering the res-t and carbon emission targets

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

Sustainability – The provision of energy that meets current

The EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) is a market-based

demands without compromising the future in terms of energy

approach to controlling pollution by providing economic incentives for achieving reductions in the emissions of pollutants. The EU

security and long-term damage to the environment.

ETS covers more than 11,000 factories, power stations and other installations with a heat excess of 20MW in 31 countries, which

Ireland’s economy is dependent on a sustainable energy

were responsible for some 40% of greenhouse gas (GHG)

infrastructure that meets our future needs. the Government’s

emissions in 2008. Non-ETS sectors are domestic, small business

energy white Paper ‘ireland’s transition to a low carbon energy

or small industry, transport, agriculture and waste.

future’ and the recent coP21 agreement, which ireland has already signed, have moved the three pillars of sustainability, security of supply and competitiveness centre stage.

reducing energy demand by 20% of the historic average energy used

in this section of the report, we examine the electricity, heating

during the period 2000-2005, as well as reducing carbon emissions

and transport energy sectors.

from sectors that are outside the eu ets (non-ets emissions) by 20%

we assess their current status in light of the eu energy efficiency,

compared to 2005 levels.

renewable energy and carbon emission targets, plus the national

with ireland’s population projected to grow by 10% to 5,247,000 by

and global move towards decarbonisation. in addition, we

2030, there is a real possibility that energy needs will increase in

recommend particular actions to ensure ireland’s continued

parallel with our commitment to reduce carbon emissions based on

journey to a low fossil fuel economy.

national and eu targets.

ireland has a number of targets to achieve as set out in the eu

However, there may be opportunities for ireland too. ireland’s current

renewable energy directive (2009/28/ec), which states that a total

energy policy, laid out in the dcccnr energy white Paper published

of 16% of the country’s total energy consumption must come from

in december 2015, seeks to achieve the optimum benefits at the

renewable energy sources (res) by 2020. in order to achieve the

lowest cost, and to realise economic opportunities where these

16% overall target, the Government set a national renewable energy

opportunities present themselves.

electricity target of 40% (res-e) and a national renewable energy

the sustainable energy Authority of ireland (seAi) has previously

heat target of 12% (res-H), alongside a mandatory eu renewable

reported that there is an estimated market of €300 billion per year for

energy modes of transport target (res-t) of 10% specified in the

sustainable energy technologies and services internationally.

directive. similarly in northern ireland, the department of

ireland has established a positive reputation as a global testing

enterprise, trade and investment (deti) published the strategic

ground for prototype renewable technologies, for example. continued

energy framework (sef) in september 2010, which also sets out a

research and development in, and deployment of green technologies,

40% res electricity target to be reached by 2020. Given the

could assure the country’s place as a leader in this field.

all-island electricity market, it makes obvious sense to work

the seAi energy consumption statistics for 2014 indicate that

together to accomplish a shared objective. An analysis carried out

despite our economy growing by 5.2%, primary energy demand fell

by the department of communications, climate change and natural

in 2013 by 0.5% and energy-related co2 emissions decreased by

resources (dcccnr) indicates that a shortfall in the overall res of

1.2%, indicating that energy efficiency and renewable electricity

between 1% and 4% could result in a one-off cost to the exchequer

policies are having a measurable impact. this is further underlined

of €140m to €600m.

by the decrease in the consumption of all fuels in 2014 with the

simultaneously, ireland must also increase its energy efficiency by

exception of peat, renewables and non-renewable wastes. However,

Target

2020 target

2016 (actual)

Distance to target

Renewable energy source (RES overall)

16%

8.6%

7.4%

RES contribution to electricity (RES-E)

40%

22.7%

17.3%

RES contribution to heat (RES-H)

12%

6.6%

5.4%

RES contribution to transport (RES-T)

10%

5.2%

4.8%

Energy efficiency

20% saving

8-9% saving

11-12% saving

Greenhouse gas emissions

20%

---

Projected to fall short by 6-11%

Source: DCCCNR, Energy White Paper/SEAI/EPA

engIneerS Ireland 9

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

both the environmental Protection Agency (ePA) and the seAi have

indicated by its fuel import dependency, which has increased since

indicated in recent reports that ireland is likely to miss out on the

1990 and only decreased slightly in 2014. ireland currently imports

overall 2020 renewable energy target (res overall) of 16% due to lack

90% of its gas and generates almost half of its electricity from gas.

of progress introducing renewable energy into the heat and transport

the corrib gas field is strategically important to ireland from an

sectors, which may result in compliance costs within the eu.

energy security of supply perspective because at peak production,

similarly, the emissions targets will be missed as a result of both of

corrib has the capacity to deliver more than 60% of ireland’s gas

these combined with the impact of the agricultural sector. the good

needs.

news is that similar expert indications would suggest that ireland is

ireland is caught in its own energy trilemma of sustainability,

likely to achieve if not exceed the national renewable electricity target

security of supply and affordability. the publication of the dcccnr

of 40% (res-e), demonstrating that with the right incentives and

energy white Paper has put the focus of energy policy firmly on the

focus, the shift to renewable energy can be possible for all sectors.

sustainability pillar, while ensuring that security and affordability

ireland’s vulnerability in terms of security of supply is further

are maintained.

Ireland’s energy Trilemma

world energy council, energy Trilemma Index – Ireland Overall World Index: Ireland is ranked 22 out of 130 countries, below Malaysia and above Singapore

y rit

ab ilit y

Energy security – C

cu ly pp su

Su

of

sta in

Indigenous energy sources

Se

Environmentally sound

Affordability Economically viable

10 engIneerS Ireland

Environmental sustainability –A

Energy equity –B

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

ENERGY EFFICIENCY energy efficiency target and Ireland’s current position: National: Target is 20%

Public bodies: Target is 33%

Distance to target 16%

Distance to target 11-12% 8-9% achieved

2005

17% achieved

2020

2016

(Source: SEAI)

2005

2020

2016

Target

Target

As europe moves to implement the Paris climate Agreement,

efficiency is that ireland can reduce its volume of fuel imports and

two-thirds of its low-carbon energy infrastructure investment to

consequently slow down the rate at which domestic fossil fuel

2040 will need to be in energy efficiency. this implies an eightfold

energy resources are depleted. while fossil fuels will eventually be

increase in current levels of investment. the european

phased out, during this transition period towards a zero-carbon

commission’s Heating and cooling strategy has started to set out

future, ireland will have to take a pragmatic approach when it

the links between energy efficiency and the wider energy

comes to leveraging our natural carbon-based resources, such as

infrastructure system. the energy union strategy has called for a

natural gas.

fundamental rethinking of energy efficiency, to treat it as an energy without a major rethink, we risk the ability to meet our climate and

How would you rate Ireland’s energy efficiency performance: D

energy targets in 2020 and beyond, if we fail to properly grasp the

ireland’s energy efficiency infrastructure, which can be defined as

nature of the challenge.

capital stock – residences, manufacturing plants, public and

in future, energy efficiency needs to be redefined as a core part of

commercial buildings, our electricity generation fuel mix and our

ireland’s energy infrastructure, and there needs to be more explicit

transport fleet – is currently unable to meet the demands of the

integration. treating energy efficiency as infrastructure and

energy efficiency targets and requires significant investment to reach

integrating it into wider national infrastructure planning means that

an adequate standard. energy efficiencies can be achieved from the

supply side investment needs will fall as projected demand falls,

point of energy generation right through to the final use in a domestic

thus reducing the risk of asset stranding and reducing costs to

dwelling, public building or industrial premises. similarly, electric

society. energy efficiency fulfils the definition of infrastructure used

vehicles (evs) charged using renewable power are more energy

by the international Monetary fund and other economic institutions.

efficient than those powered by traditional fuels.

like traditionally recognised infrastructure, energy efficiency is

reducing the demand for energy by conserving it will quite simply

long-lasting capital stock, provides inputs to a wide range of goods

reduce the amount of energy used, but this requires significant

and services, and frees up capacity elsewhere in the economy.

investment in energy efficiency at the point of use, as well as

the three energy targets of improved efficiency, increased

continued education about energy usage.

renewable fuel sources in final consumption and a reduction in

the residential sector in ireland consists of an estimated 1.7 million

carbon emissions are interlinked and mutually dependent.

homes and in 2014 accounted for the largest share of final thermal

According to the international energy Agency, improved energy

energy usage with 44%, even greater than industry at 35%. in the past

efficiency in buildings, industrial processes and transportation could

seven years, some 300,000 homes (17.5%) have been retrofitted to

reduce the world’s energy needs in 2050 by one-third and help to

become more energy efficient. the seAi suggests that an estimated

control greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. conversely, if ireland fails

€35 billion over 35 years will be required to make the remainder of

to reduce its energy demand, more renewable energy will be

the existing housing stock low carbon by 2050 at an average cost of

required to meet the 2020 targets. An additional benefit of energy

€20,000 per retrofit.

source in its own right, representing the value of energy saved.

engIneerS Ireland 11

The STaTe of Ireland 2016 industry management is starting to realise that

this is to be commended as it was achieved during

there are increased savings to be made when

what was a difficult time for many public

energy efficiencies are introduced to

bodies, there needs to be an acceleration of

offices and manufacturing processes.

activity in the next four years if the public

Movements like industry 4.0 – the fourth industrial revolution – can identify ‘wasted’ energy through monitoring practices. introducing energy efficiency methodologies and upgrading existing systems or buildings have helped industry to reduce its costs. the seAi has an

sector is to contribute as planned to the

A culture change in how we approach long-term planning and infrastructure is undoubtedly required.

important role to play in continuing to

overall eu obligation.

What actions do we need to take? engineers ireland welcomes the Government’s energy white Paper as setting a very clear direction for ireland’s energy policy out to 2030 and beyond to

educate both businesses and consumers

2050. However, the organisation is somewhat

on their responsibilities with regard to

concerned at the lack of a robust

balancing their demand for energy and

implementation plan with clear targets and

adapting energy efficiency measures if ireland’s

milestones, supported by the appropriate enabling

future generations are to benefit from a carbon-free society.

policies and with an effective governance framework. the example of

though transport primary energy use fell by 28% between 2007

having such an implementation framework can be seen through the

and 2013, transport accounts for 34% of primary energy

successful delivery of over 2,000Mw of renewable generation and the

requirement in ireland. with 56% of all transport energy

delivery of the east–west interconnector under the auspices of the

consisting of diesel and just 0.06% of passenger cars being

2007 energy white Paper. we need a similar approach to deliver the

plug-in evs, ireland’s transport sector could not be described as

key projects identified across all energy sectors – electricity,

energy efficient.

heating/cooling and transport – and a step change in our attitude towards how we think about energy efficiency infrastructure.

What does the future hold?

it is clear that the responsibility for achieving the eu mandatory

ireland is just below halfway (8-9%) to its eu mandatory 2020

targets falls across many Government departments, whereas an

energy efficiency target of 20%, even though Government-

integrated approach is necessary, with leadership at cabinet level. A

supported policy initiatives were introduced to save households’

culture change in how we approach long-term planning and

and businesses’ fuel costs. while policies are in place to

infrastructure is undoubtedly required.

encourage greater energy efficiency, it is clear that accelerated

we can learn from other jurisdictions, such as the uK, which has

action will be necessary to further this progress if ireland is to

established the national infrastructure commission (nic). the

successfully reach its obligations under the eu renewable energy

commission was set up on an interim basis in 2015 and looked at the

directive. the energy white Paper references the active energy

uK’s future needs for nationally significant infrastructure, taking a

citizen and it is imperative that our citizens are engaged in the

long-term approach to the major investment decisions facing the

energy transition ahead and fully support it.

country. the aim of the nic is to enable long-term strategic

while there are serious changes and disruption to come,

decision-making to build effective and efficient infrastructure for the

individuals need to learn about how these new technologies can

uK, and it is to be established by legislation as a non-departmental

enhance their lives and provide them with opportunities for cost

independent body. this type of structure allows it to operate

savings.

independently of Government yet still remaining accountable to the

An education programme designed to engage the active citizen or

treasury for its performance and allocation of public funds.

create more energy citizens needs to be implemented over many

More specifically, if we accept that we need to invest in energy

years as the transition will take generations to take effect in

efficiency infrastructure, a deep retrofit of ireland’s domestic

changing attitudes and behaviours.

dwellings and public buildings should be undertaken to reduce

smart metering also has a role to play in ireland’s successful

energy demand and increase energy efficiency. the deployment of

implementation of energy efficiency strategies, as information

energy efficiency retrofits for domestic, commercial and public

coupled with technology is a key enabler of energy management.

buildings provides an important pathway for increasing energy

the ‘internet of things’ (iot), big data and real-time information

security, decreasing energy demand, reducing GHG emissions, and

all provide opportunities to engage the active energy citizen in

reducing demand for new energy production and distribution

controlling their energy consumption and encouraging them to

facilities.

contribute to ireland’s climate change strategy.

A dedicated long-term resource needs to be allocated to educating

the public sector has an even more ambitious energy efficiency

citizens about their energy responsibilities, including specific

target of 33% to reach by 2020. in the 2015 analysis, a 17%

programmes aimed at the adult generation and a new programme

improvement in energy consumption had been achieved. while

developed for the primary and secondary school curriculums.

12 engIneerS Ireland

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

ELECTRICITY (RES-E) reS-e target and Ireland’s current position: National renewable: Target is 16%

RES-E contribution: Target is 40%

Distance to target 17.3%

Distance to target 7.4% 8.6% achieved

22.7% achieved

2020

2016

2005

2005

2020

2016

Target

Target

(Source: SEAI)

electricity is vital to virtually every aspect of people’s lives and to

distances. Power then flows into the distribution system, which is

the economy. today’s society is very heavily reliant on ‘smart’

used to bring power to customers’ premises.

tools that manage everything from traffic signals to home

eirGrid is responsible for the operation and development of the

heating. there would be a massive impact on the running of the

transmission system and also oversees the maintenance of the

state and private enterprise if the supply of continuous power is

transmission network. in 2007 an all-island single electricity

interrupted. technology requires power and there is a real need

Market (seM) was established, which has unified the market

to balance this growing demand with decarbonising the network

between ireland and northern ireland. in 2009, eirGrid acquired

and security of supply.

system operator northern ireland (soni), which operates

the infrastructure of wires and cables around the country can be

northern ireland’s national grid, further solidifying the electricity

divided into the distribution network and the transmission

relationship between the two jurisdictions.

network. Generators feed power into both the transmission and

esB networks is the asset owner of both the distribution and

distribution system, with larger units connecting at transmission

transmission networks, and is responsible for the operation,

level and smaller units connecting at distribution level. the

maintenance and development of the electricity distribution

transmission system is used to transport bulk power over long

network in ireland.

Irish electricity supply chain

GENERATION Large fossil fuel generation

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION Transmission EirGrid

Distribution ESB Networks

SUPPLY

Domestic customers

Large and medium renewable and CHP generators Business/ commercial Microgeneration

Competitive market

Regulated monopoly

Competitive market

(Source: ESB)

engIneerS Ireland 13

The STaTe of Ireland 2016 What is the current status of Ireland’s electricity generation, transmission and fuel mix: B

Advancements in telecommunications and information technology

while overall electricity in terms of achieving res-e is of an acceptable

meet customers’ new requirements. driven by the move to renewable

standard, properly maintained and able to meet demand, investment

variable generation, the desire for customers to install local

will be required over the next five years to ensure that ireland continues

distributed generation, the requirement for storage and the

have enabled the esB to develop the electricity network to operate to

on its path to likely meet its res-e targets in 2020, with particular

electrification of heat and transport, network management has

emphasis on introducing more renewable fuels into the mix.

changed profoundly in the last number of years. continued investment

Affordability is perhaps the highest priority when it comes to

has ensured that ireland’s electricity network is benchmarked

electricity because of the importance of energy prices for

internationally as among the most advanced in the world.

competitiveness and growth, plus the risk of hardship to low-income

it is fair to say that significant progress has been made on the

households.

decarbonisation of ireland’s fuel mix and ireland is likely to meets its

electricity in ireland is generated from a number of different sources.

2020 res-e target of 40%. this is a result of a consistent policy

the main fuel used to generate electricity is gas. However, through a

approach ensuring investor confidence allied with incentives such as

number of different schemes renewable electricity production is on the

the Accelerated capital Allowance (AcA) tax to encourage companies

increase and now represents almost a quarter of electricity generation,

to invest in energy-efficient equipment, and encourage businesses to

primarily through wind. ireland’s fuel mix means that ireland’s ability to

introduce renewables into their energy consumption. this has led to a

generate electricity is high when it comes to economic cost, security of

demand from customers to have ‘green’ energy in their electricity

supply and environmental impact.

supply or to be assured that the products they consume have come

the security of supply of ireland’s electricity is an imperative across the

from sustainable sources. As a result, businesses are beginning to

energy sector given the severe economic and social consequences that

change their behaviours to incorporate renewable electricity into their

would result from a high-impact, low-probability event such as a total

business models. Apple’s proposed data centre in Athenry is based on

interruption of electrical supply. the challenges for ireland’s electricity

its ability to use 100% renewable energy. similarly, facebook has O recently announced that its new data centre in Meath and

generation sector include a high dependence on gas and the increasing proportion of indigenous variable generation from renewables.

headquarters in dublin will be powered by wind energy. corporate

ireland’s electricity system has been bolstered in recent years, with

thought leaders with the level of influence on the general public that

the east–west interconnector that links to mainland Britain allowing

Apple and facebook have can begin to influence the mindset of the

for the import and export of power, thereby increasing competition

average irish consumer. interestingly, a recent iweA/iPsos MrBi

and facilitating renewables. Both the transmission and distribution

survey revealed that when consumers were asked “whether they would

networks have received significant investment in recent years to

prefer to power their homes with fossil fuels or renewable energy, with

ensure that they are system ready for the increasing number of

both being a similar cost and level of service” that 86% chose

renewables being introduced into the energy mix. eirGrid’s delivering

renewables compared to 9% who opted for fossil fuels. this clearly

a secure sustainable electricity system (ds3) programme is

indicates that there is an appetite for change among energy citizens.

underway to address the challenges of integrating renewable

the Public service obligation (Pso) levy charged to all electricity

generation onto our power system through innovation in technology

customers has also played a huge role in incentivising investment in

application in consultation with market participants.

renewable generation. However, the increasing levels of renewables

fuel mix in Ireland 2014

average fuel mix on a typical day in Ireland – april 22, 2016

Peat 10% Waste 0.5%

Oil 0.1% Net import 8%

Other renewable 0.7% Renewable hydro 2.7% Pumping 1%

26 TWh

Wind 19%

■ ■ ■ ■ ■

Gas 44%

Consumption 99%

Coal 15%

(Source: EirGrid)

14 engIneerS Ireland

(Source: EirGrid)

Coal Gas Net import Other Renewables

23.50% 55.08% 0.00% 6.28% 15.14%

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

Edenderry Power Plant – an industry success story each year edenderry Power Plant generates enough electricity for

sector than it is to utilise the biomass to displace diesel oil or

the national grid to power the needs of above 150,000 households

natural gas from the heating sector.

across ireland. However, in addition to contributing to renewable

originally designed as a peat-fired power station, edenderry Power

energy and carbon emission reduction targets, the power plant is an

Plant is currently the largest dispatchable renewable electricity

important element in ireland’s energy infrastructure, not only in

source on the island of ireland. it is a source of electricity that can

terms of electricity generation, but also in terms of fuel security and

be dispatched at the instant it is needed. the 118Mw power station

the provision of system services, including reactive power, inertia

utilises a modern fluidised bed boiler, which enables co-firing of

and frequency control, which are crucial to the overall stability and

peat with a wide range of biomass fuels without the need of a major

safe operation of the power system as levels of intermittent

capital investment into the boiler or the fuel handling system.

renewable generation (wind) increase.

co-fuelling of peat with biomass at the power plant commenced in

displacement of carbon-intensive fuels in electricity production,

2008, at a relatively modest rate of 2%, increasing to just under 30%

such as coal and peat, with biomass,* have been shown to lead to

in 2014, with an aim of achieving a 37% co-firing rate in 2016. such a

carbon savings of 1,200-1,450tco2, respectively, for every 1,000t of

high co-fuelling rate will result in carbon savings of over

biomass used, whereas displacement of fuels typical for the heating

350,000tco2.

sector, such as natural gas and kerosene, lead to carbon saving of

* Biomass is organic matter derived from living, or recently living,

600-850tco2, respectively, for every 1,000t of biomass used. from a

organisms. Biomass can be used as a source of energy and it most

carbon emissions savings point of view, it is more effective to utilise

often refers to plants or plant-based materials, which are not used

biomass to displace peat or coal from the electricity-generating

for food or feed, and are specifically called lignocellulosic biomass.

adopt a pragmatic approach to the electricity

in the generation mix, supported by the refit

generation fuel mix and continue to rely to a

scheme, have resulted in a decrease in the wholesale price of electricity, which partially offsets the cost of the Pso levy charged to all electricity customers to fund the scheme. res-e has to date been driven by the introduction of onshore wind energy deployment and biomass combustion. waste-to-energy also has a role to play in achieving the renewable electricity targets, as approximately 50% of the electricity produced from waste is considered to be renewable.

the security of supply of ireland’s electricity is an imperative across the energy sector given the severe economic and social consequences that would result from a high-impact, low-probability event such as a total interruption of electrical supply.

promoting fuel switching from coal and peat to gas. As ireland moves through that transition period, low to zero carbon generation technologies, which provide electricity that can be dispatched or stored at the same time it is generated, may also be required, along with energy storage for renewables, increased interconnection and demand side participation. the targets for 2030 have yet to be fully agreed but many projections show that society

despite being in a prime location for ocean

will have to almost completely decarbonise the

energy capture, ireland does not currently have

electricity sector by 2050, with significant progress by

any commercial-scale ocean, wave or tidal power feeding into the national grid. ireland has, however, established a

certain extent on fossil fuels while actively

2030.

positive reputation as a global testing ground for prototype renewable

the seAi has clearly identified the need to accelerate our progress to

technologies, and in the period beyond 2030 this could become a

meet the 2020 carbon emissions and res-e targets. the deployment

significant source of renewable energy.

of more wind capacity per annum is certainly desirable to help us to achieve both these goals, alongside employing other clean energy

What does the future hold?

generation technology. indeed, the eirGrid capacity Generation

while the electricity sector has made considerable advances, ireland

statement 2016 states that there would need to be an average of

needs to continue on the journey from an electricity generation fleet

about 300Mw of extra wind energy capacity installed per year to 2020

primarily based on fossil fuels to one that will essentially be zero

alone.

carbon and should include renewables, biomass and, potentially, carbon capture and storage. in the longer term, as new and safer

What actions do we need to take?

nuclear technologies are developed, and as the nuclear waste issue is

the decarbonisation of ireland’s electricity is happening gradually and

satisfactorily resolved, this form of energy may need to be considered.

inexorably, but the move away from the predominant use of fossil

in the short to medium-term transition period, ireland will have to

fuels in transport and heating energy will have a major impact on

engIneerS Ireland 15

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

but less so in rural areas, where increased capacity can be A smart grid is an electricity network that can cost-efficiently

accommodated without investment. landowner and customer

integrate the behaviour and actions of all users connected to

acceptance of the additional infrastructure which will be required to

it – generators, consumers and those that do both – in order

move to a low-carbon society is also vital and is likely to need

to ensure an economically efficient, sustainable power system

considerable engagement.

with low losses, high levels of quality, security of supply

As indigenous renewables such as wind, solar and wave are variable

and safety.

and changeable, while tidal is variable but predictable, they will require new demand-side management and technology

electricity generation and distribution in ireland. capital expenditure will be required to build the

solutions, such as energy storage for both electrical and thermal power, as renewable generation

infrastructure necessary to supply the energy to power a larger ev fleet, for example, whereas a ‘smart grid’ network is essential to manage ireland’s future energy fuel mix and consumer demand. continued investment in additional network and smart network strategies is essential to meet customer needs so that they can decide how they consume their electricity. the network also needs

increases. Additional interconnection with

the sustainable energy Authority of ireland (seAi) has clearly identified the need to accelerate our progress to meet the 2020 carbon emissions and res-e targets.

configuration to allow microgenerators to sell power to energy companies, and the impact of the greater electrification of heat and transport may lead to capacity issues in urban areas,

16 engIneerS Ireland

other countries may also be required to facilitate renewables, to augment and diversify competition and security of supply. the potential for increased renewable generation in ireland should be explored further, including the use of different technologies as they become increasingly available and cost competitive. with our island status, ireland’s energy future is inextricably linked with northern ireland, and the north–south interconnector

is imperative to further bolster security of supply and reduce the cost to the consumer.

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

HEATING/COOLING (THERMAL) RES-H reS-h target and Ireland’s current position: National renewable: Target is 16%

RES-H contribution: Target is 12%

Distance to target 5.4%

Distance to target 7.4% 8.6% achieved

2005

6.6% achieved

2016

(Source: SEAI)

2020 Target

2005

2016

2020 Target

res-H refers to thermal energy that is used for space, process and water

usage of our renewable generation resources and electricity network

heating, cooling and also for cooking. the residential sector in ireland

assets.

accounts for the largest share of thermal energy usage at 44%, followed

district heating is a goal of the new energy white Paper and is a proven

by industry at 35%, services at 16% and agriculture at 4%.

method of increasing energy efficiency. while it has been successfully implemented in many other european countries, it has not been deployed

What is the current status of Ireland’s heating/cooling systems: C the vast majority of heating systems in ireland are domestic and powered by fossil fuels (gas, oil and solid fuels) compared to other economies that have developed renewable heating system technologies such as wood-burning boilers, air-source and geothermal ground-heat pumps or solar water heaters. ireland also has the added challenge of eradicating peat harvesting in rural areas, which is often viewed as a ‘free’ resource. renewable energy accounted for 6.6% of thermal demand in 2014 and is growing steadily, but not quickly enough to achieve the 2020 targets. oil is the dominant fuel, accounting for 41% of fuel inputs in 2014. with oil prices at an all-time low, this option of carbon-intensive, affordable heating/cooling is attractive. Persuading citizens and businesses alike to invest in capital improvements to replace their oil-burning infrastructure with new, energy-efficient, renewable fuel thermal alternatives will require large-scale financial incentives and education programmes from Government and its agencies.

to any significant extent in ireland. one of the key advantages of district heating networks are the efficient use of surplus heat from ‘low grade’ combined heat and power (cHP) plants, waste incineration plants, waste heat from industrial processes, natural geothermal heat sources, and fuels that are more easily used centrally, including renewables like wood waste and residues. the development of district heating networks could help to meet ireland’s renewable heat (res-H) target, help to reduce ireland’s GHG emissions and external energy dependency. significant savings can be achieved with the right applications, such as high heat densities in towns and cities using biomass fuel. there are opportunities for cHP systems that can, with proper thermal storage, become part of the smarter electricity grid. However, heat distribution networks are expensive to install and further assessment of the economics is required. the business case tends to rely on guaranteed uptake of end users before a project is underway, and such guarantees are hard to secure. ireland should look at countries with similar climates, such as denmark, to assess the potential for knowledge transfer in this area.

What does the future hold?

ireland’s dispersed rural population means that it is always going to be

electrification of heat, particularly using heat pumps, is an often stated

more difficult and expensive to install district heating systems that

goal across europe. Heat pumps and thermal storage, coupled with smart

operate effectively and efficiently in rural areas.

grid and distributed generation, could have a very positive impact on

According to the institute of international and european Affairs (iieA), an

reducing energy demand. However, peak heat demand in winter can be

estimated figure of €14 billion is required to bring the residential housing

five to six times greater than peak electricity demand. rapid transition to

stock up to an average Building energy rating (Ber) of c1, and for

even high-performing heat pumps without management and control of

Government targets to be met. specific technical measures include

energy infrastructure and household demand could stress parts of the

building insulation retrofits of wall, roof and floor insulation,

existing network. further capital investment in the network and

energy-efficient glazing and draught proofing alongside heating/cooling

transmission systems will be required, and therefore impacts on the

system replacements with heating controls, heat pumps or solar water

long-term affordability of these solutions. conversely, if this transition is

heating, energy-efficient lighting, and more efficient household

managed appropriately, it could result in more efficient and cost-effective

appliances and electronics. the technical improvements towards

engIneerS Ireland 17

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

energy flow – Thermal uses 2014 % OF ENERGY FLOW

% OF FINAL ENERGY USE

6.5%

44%

Residential

Oil 41.5%

35%

Industry

16%

Services

4%

Agriculture

1%

Lost in refining

Renewables

Natural gas

38%

Coal

8%

Peat

5%

Wastes

1%

(Source: SEAI) more energy-efficient and low-carbon renewable fuels need to be

medium-term res-H targets. one recommendation is to electrify the

coupled with behavioural measures that include reducing the target

900,000 homes that are not connected to the gas network, and which

temperature by one degree celsius, such as turning off heating in

use solid fuel or oil for heat. Priority should be given to electrifying

unused rooms, turning off lights when not in use, installing a

the heating systems in these homes through a funded Government

low-flow shower head and air-drying rather than tumble-drying

programme. not only would this immediately contribute to the

clothes. small, targeted behavioural changes can all contribute to

heating target, but it would also benefit the 20% carbon emissions

increased energy efficiency and improved comfort levels for

obligation if renewables are used in the electricity generation.

householders as a deep retrofit will naturally lead to reduced energy

However, this has to be done in conjunction with changes to how

consumption. we have seen recent tv ads encouraging householders

electric domestic emissions are treated in the Building regulations to

to switch off and save.

facilitate adoption of all available electric heating solutions. while

However, uptake of energy efficiency in the residential sector is likely

noting that there have been very positive developments regarding the

to be low without additional intervention. the seAi has identified a

treatment of heat pumps in recent months, the Building regulations

number of potential and existing interventions including regulation,

continue to be a barrier to the adoption of electric storage heating for

pay as you save (PAys), information campaigns and direct financial

apartment dwellings.

support. PAys is a type of residential retrofit financing scheme

of the remaining 700,000 homes that are connected to the gas

currently under consideration in ireland. A number of research

network, 100% of these homes could be switched from natural gas to

papers were produced examining the PAys concept, which formed a

biogas with no need to change the gas distribution infrastructure.

starting point for the Better energy financing (Bef) project. Bef is

However, biogas is produced from anaerobic digestion and currently

intended to overcome the financial barrier in the residential sector by

there are only six plants in ireland, compared to 26 in northern

providing accessible finance to householders in ireland. there is

ireland. some of the reasons for the low level of plants in ireland

currently an €800,000 capital budget set aside for a suite of project

include a complex planning and licensing system, with eight different

trials in 2016. essentially, the task of Bef is to identify the level of

permissions required, grid connection costs, unattractive electricity

cost at which energy efficiency becomes acceptable to a critical mass

tariffs, financing issues and uncertainty in waste policy. this is an

of the population, and then identify the nature, and extent, of the

area that has the potential to grow, with the help of policy

subsidy required to make that level of cost available.

development and financial incentives to support the industry. it is estimated that just replacing 20% of natural gas with biogas could

What actions do we need to take?

allow 100% of domestic customers and up to 15% of industrial and

radical changes are needed to the vast majority of ireland’s thermal

commercial customers to operate on biogas, contributing to the

technology, which must include switching households to a fuel source

res-H target.

that requires a total retrofit of their heating system. the role of Bef is

As well as supporting ireland’s achievement of its renewable targets,

critical to the success of this switch to ensure that the final solution is

development of anaerobic digestion plants assists with the

affordable for the householder when it is combined with energy

implementation of ireland’s waste policy.

efficiency measures.

Power-to-gas is another option to replace 20% of natural gas

A blend of gas and electricity is needed to meet the short to

whereby surplus renewable electricity is converted into hydrogen gas

18 engIneerS Ireland

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

Astellas – an industry success story Astellas ireland ltd operates a modern pharmaceutical finishing

forest resources in Kerry, supporting local jobs and helping to

facility in Killorglin, co. Kerry, where it employs 350 people. the

develop a wood supply market. other renewable projects saw the

facility serves the worldwide market as the production base for the

erection of an on-site wind turbine for electricity supply in 2012,

formulation and packaging of anti-rejection drugs used in organ

and the installation of a solar water heating system in 2014.

transplant surgery.

in december 2015, Astellas was generating 62% of all energy

Astellas has a longstanding commitment to the energy agenda.

required for the site through renewable energy.

Joining the seAi’s energy Agreements programme in 2005, the site

the on-site wind turbine generates 20% of the company’s

has been certified to a variety of standards since 2007, with the

electricity and the wood chip boiler supplies 95% of the company’s

most recent one being the international standard for energy

thermal needs. the installation of a biomass heating system has

Management – iso 50001. Astellas places a high value on

helped Astellas to secure major contracts from international

sustainability and corporate social responsibility and as a result in

clients that prioritise world-class environmental credentials in the

2010, the company began to examine alternatives to oil as the main

companies they partner with.

source of energy for the plant.

Astellas used to burn 700,000 litres of oil annually for thermal

Planning permission was approved for the installation of a new

energy. By switching to a more energy-efficient thermal system, it

352m2 utilities building comprising a 1.6Mw biomass boiler and

reduced co2 emissions by 92%, reduced overall manufacturing

ancillary biomass fuel store, which came on stream in 2012.

costs, secured the company’s sustainability and increased its

Astellas sources its wood chip from predominantly local coillte

competitiveness.

by rapid response electrolysis and is subsequently injected into the

incentivise businesses to recycle as much waste as possible.

gas distribution network. ireland already owns a vast energy storage

As ireland cannot meet its decarbonisation ambitions without tackling heating in the residential sector, a domestic rHi

infrastructure in the form of its existing gas

is a necessary part of the strategy to incentivise

transmission and distribution pipeline. it is likely

homeowners to undertake energy retrofit

that the shift to renewable heating will have to

projects.

be incentivised in order to change consumer behaviour on both the generation and demand side. A firm policy is needed to drive these changes such as feed-in-tariffs (fits) similar to how the Pso/refit scheme has driven the introduction of renewables in electricity generation. the renewable Heat incentive (rHi) has been shown to drive rapid deployment of new technologies, for example, solar and biomass heat in the uK and fits-developed

the task of Bef is to identify for industrial locations that are off the natural gas network, the implementation the level of cost at which of biomass solutions, like those used by energy efficiency becomes Astellas in Killorglin, would assist with acceptable to a critical mass increasing energy efficiency, achieving the renewables target and reducing of the population, and then carbon emissions. identify the nature, and extent, the Government should provide of the subsidy required leadership on this and prioritise to make that level of sweeping changes in the public sector to cost available. support a consumer education programme, leading by example. ireland’s hospitals, which

solar photovoltaic (Pv) electricity in Germany

are among the most intensive energy users, account

and spain. However, lessons need to be learned

for around 500,000 tonnes of carbon emissions annually,

about how incentives can skew the market and provide unsustainable market growth. it is important to set levels at

and in 2014 were responsible for 21% of total energy consumption in

moderate rates of return, with the guaranteed tariff reducing each

the public sector. the 2020 target for hospitals is just less than half

year. details around the rHi need to be put in place by the irish

this at 11.8%, which means significant inroads will have to be made to

Government as promised by 2016 for producers and consumers of

achieve this in the next four years.

renewable heat.

Mandatory energy audits have been an essential driver in making

the energy white Paper states that the proposed rHi should

energy efficiency visible within the industrial sector. once energy

incentivise the change to renewable heating for the equivalent of an

becomes a visible cost to production, companies are prompted to

additional 200 large industrial sites or 2,000 large services sector

develop methodologies to reduce unnecessary or wasted energy by

buildings or 300,000 residential dwellings between now and 2020 or

optimising their processes.

some combination of the three. As industry emits more co2 and is

the requirements to undertake energy audits should be widened to

more likely to realise the business benefits that can be made through

incorporate small to medium-sized businesses as well as retail

energy efficiency as well as switching to alternative fuels, then the

centres, similar to those introduced in the public sector and for large

focus should primarily be on business to lead the change.

commercial enterprises under the eu energy efficiency regulations

waste-to-energy would benefit from inclusion in the rHi to

2014.

engIneerS Ireland 19

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

TRANSPORT (RES-T) reS-T target and Ireland’s current position: National renewable: Target is 16%

RES-T contribution: Target is 10%

Distance to target 4.8%

Distance to target 7.4% 8.6% achieved

2005

5.2% achieved

2016

(Source: SEAI)

2020 Target

2005

2016

2020 Target

ireland’s obligation under the eu renewable energy directive is to replace

owners charge their cars at home overnight, thereby contributing to the

transport fuel with 10% renewable energy by 2020. transport energy

electricity demand profile, leading to more efficient use of the generation

demand, which is responsible for a third of total energy use in ireland,

assets. despite a €5,000 subsidy, low road tax rates and a vehicle

grew by 4% in 2014. over half of all transport energy consists of diesel

registration tax (vrt) exemption, there are only 1,700 evs registered in

(56%) and currently biofuels account for only 3.1% of the fuel mix in

ireland. this is 0.9% of the total car fleet. in norway, with a similar

transport (or 5.2% when the weightings for double certificates are applied

population to ireland but a sparser population spread per square

in accordance with the directive).

kilometre – 14 versus ireland’s 67 – the passenger car market share for

What is the current status of Ireland’s transport energy infrastructure: C

which emits 22% less co2 than diesel, is an alternative fuel for ireland’s truck and inter-city bus fleet but the only refuelling point that currently

road-based transport equates to 80.6% of all journeys, with private cars

exists is at Gas networks ireland’s cork office where it has conducted

making up the majority of that figure at 55.8%. there are about two million

trials with Bus Éireann.

private cars in ireland and it is the preferred mode of transport for the

dublin Bus applied for funding from the national transport Authority in

majority of irish people as 75% of all journeys are taken by car. this ratio

2014 to trial three hybrid fuel buses over a three-year period but the

increases outside of dublin to 77% and drops in the city to 61%, with

request was declined because no funds were available from the

public transport and other sustainable modes used more in the capital.

department of transport. Hybrids are considered ideal for stop-start

res-t reached 5.2% in 2014 and this was mostly through the use of

driving conditions in cities and, as well as fuel efficiencies through the use

biofuels mixed with diesel and petrol. the ev charge point network

of renewable energy, they can contribute to the overall reduction of co2

currently meets demand, with evidence to suggest that the majority of ev

and noise in urban centres.

plug-in electric passenger cars is 22%. compressed natural gas (cnG),

Double certification

8%

A fundamental aspect of the Biofuels obligation scheme (Bos) is that it is a certificate-based system in which a single Bos certificate represents one litre of biofuels. for sustainable biofuels produced from first-generation feed stocks, for example vegetable oil, sugar or starch, one certificate is awarded for each litre placed on the market. two Bos certificates per litre may be awarded for advanced biofuels, which are typically produced from wastes and residues. the obligated parties have relied on double certification to meet their biofuels obligations in previous years: in 2014, over 60% of the biofuels placed on the market received two Bos certificates per litre. the implication of counting advanced biofuels twice is that the volume of biofuels placed on the market is reduced (see graph).

7%

20 engIneerS Ireland

6% 5% 4% 3% 2% 1% 0% 2010

2011

% Bio (by volume)

Source: Byrne O’Cleirigh

2012

2013

% Bio (by certificate)

2014

2015 Obligation

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

The rise of electric cars By 2022 electric vehicles (evs) will cost the same as their internal combustion counterparts. that’s the point of lift-off for sales.

Electric vehicles would account for 35% of all new vehicle sales.

500 million vehicles

400

300

200

100

0 2015 ‘16

‘17

‘18

‘19

‘20

‘21

‘22

‘23

‘24

‘25

‘26

‘27

Sources: Data compiled by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, Marklines

‘28

‘29

‘30

‘31

‘32

‘33

‘34

‘35

‘36

■ Projected annual sales

‘37

‘38

‘39

‘40

■ cumulative sales

What does the future hold?

or produced from indigenous resources. However, it is clear that in the

the use of biofuels mixed with petrol and diesel will continue to play a

short to medium term, ireland will continue to rely on imported petroleum

major part in reducing co2 emissions in the future. the current mix is 6%

for much of our transport. the infrastructural capability to produce refined

under the Biofuels obligation scheme (Bos) and is expected to increase to

petroleum products on the island of ireland is of key importance in the

8% on January 1, 2017. However, the maximum realistic mix for petrol and

context of the security of supply element of the trilemma as we transition

diesel in ireland is unlikely to be above 10% and so the potential impact of

towards a carbon-free society over the coming years. not having refinery

this solution is limited in the longer term. evs have the potential to make a

capability will effectively mean that in an oil supply crisis, ireland would be

real impact over time, although uptake is slow and the Government’s

reduced to sourcing our transport requirements in the refined product

white Paper has revised the target for evs down from 10% of the total

market and not the wider crude oil market. it is in this context that it is

fleet (approximately 194,400 cars) by 2020 to just 50,000 or 2.5%.

recommended that the infrastructural capability to produce refined

the question of fees for evs to access public charging infrastructure is

petroleum products to serve these needs be retained.

currently under review by the commission for energy regulation (cer). fees could well prove a deterrent for those who already own this mode of

What actions do we need to take?

transport to remain with this type of vehicle and for new entrants to

if the resolution of this target rests on achieving significant purchases of

choose this as a future option despite grants on offer. the seAi’s research

evs by irish citizens, then awareness, advocacy and influencing opinions

into behaviour will prove significant in identifying the barriers to

should be the primary focus for Government in the next four years. this

consumers availing of clean electric technology for their transport needs.

should also include soft incentives such as the use of bus corridors for

A recent report by Bloomberg new energy finance looked at the

evs, revisiting the registration tax and exploring other financial incentives.

technology and concluded that as battery prices fell by 35% in 2015, they

the affordability of the solution is also a factor, and with prices of evs set

are on a trajectory to make unsubsidised evs as affordable as their fossil

to fall to more competitive levels in the future, evs should form a bigger

fuel counterparts in the next six years. Bloomberg predicts that by 2040,

part of the fuel mix in transport.

35% of new cars worldwide will have a plug. the cnG network of fuel

currently the choice of evs is limited in the consumer’s mind, though the

refilling points is set to roll out in 2016, and will build on the existing gas

range has become more extensive in recent years. the majority of vehicles

transmission and distribution systems, which bodes well for affordability.

available are small in size, lower in horsepower and limited in range, with

However, from a security perspective, as the network is yet to be built out

the ability to travel an average of 150km before needing a charge.

there are no immediate gains to be made from this more environmentally

However, the technology is moving on, with new models offering real

friendly fuel mix. there are currently no plans to electrify the intercity rail

choice in the mid-price saloon marketplace. these models can offer an

network and as rail energy equates to just 0.9% of the primary energy

improved driving performance and a driving range closer to 320km. tesla

consumption for transport, bigger wins would be generated from focusing

and other manufacturers are also offering choice in the luxury

on the private car network.

marketplace and these may help to change the perception of evs in the

this report strongly advocates the accelerated move to renewable energy

eyes of consumers. leadership by Government and the public sector is

modes of transport, particularly where the renewable energy is generated

necessary to change the attitude of the irish public to evs. As the majority

engIneerS Ireland 21

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

Stockholm and electric hybrid buses – an industry success story A bus route that is entirely served by volvo’s quiet, fuel-efficient and

that is powered by biodiesel. compared with conventional buses, the

practically emission-free electric hybrid buses is now a reality in

electric hybrids provide considerable environmental gains. the total

stockholm. A total of eight electric hybrid buses deployed on route 73

energy consumption is 60% lower. climate-impacting emissions are

pass through the central areas of the swedish capital.

reduced by 90%, since the buses use biodiesel and wind power. the

volvo’s electric hybrid buses replaced all of the existing fleet on route

noise level during electrical operation is at the same level as ordinary

73, which runs between ropsten and the Karolinska institute in

conversational tone.

central stockholm. the driver for the city to introduce electrified bus

services using electric hybrid buses in stockholm comprise a

traffic was because it is a cost-efficient way of reducing the problems

demonstration project conducted by volvo Buses, sl (stockholm

of poor air quality and noise. the buses assist with improving the

Public transport) and energy provider vattenfall. it is part-financed by

environment without the need for large investments in new

the eu through the Zeeus (Zero emission urban Bus system) project,

infrastructure. volvo’s electric hybrid buses operate quietly and free of

in which more than 40 companies and organisations are participating.

emissions on renewable electricity for seven of the route’s slightly

following the initial demonstration project, which will continue until

more than eight kilometre total distance, and the batteries are

the end of 2016, the intention is to continue using the electric hybrids

quick-charged for only six minutes at the terminus at each end of the

in commercial operation. volvo’s electric hybrids have also been used

route. As a complement, the buses also have a small diesel engine

in commercial service in Hamburg, Germany, since december 2014.

of the ministerial fleet is privately owned by individual ministers, they

vehicles. Measures such as the Green Bus fund included in the dcccnr

should be encouraged to replace their existing fossil fuel-powered cars

energy white Paper should also be extended to freight transport to create

with hybrids or evs. irish state agency car, van and bus fleets should also

a Green freight transport fund. the continued roll-out of cost-effective

be updated accordingly to electric, cnG and hybrid modes, respectively,

public transport should also be prioritised on urban and inter-city routes,

while public procurement processes for Government contracts involving

providing an alternative to the large number of journeys by

transport should include key performance indicators linked to renewable

single-occupancy private car.

energy. there is clearly a need for public transport to be more accountable in the delivery of the res-t targets.

Carbon emissions

A comprehensive national strategy needs to be put in place to create the

from 1990 to 2014, energy-related co2 emissions increased by 17% – an

necessary infrastructure for ev adoption to thrive in the short term. this

average of 0.7% per annum. transport recorded the largest increase at

would involve further incentives to encourage consumers to switch from

120% (3.3% per annum) over the period. transport’s share of

fossil fuels to evs in parallel with an education campaign to advise the

energy-related co2 emissions was 37% in 2014. the residential sector in

active citizen on how his or her choice of fuel impacts on the global

ireland consists of an estimated 1.7 million homes and, after agriculture

environment, climate change and flooding.

and transport, is the third largest emitter of energy-related GHG

incentives could include the obligatory reservation of charging spaces for

emissions.

evs by local authorities, reduced parking fees, preferential access to

As previously stated, the three energy targets of improved efficiency,

restricted areas, reduced tolls and the provision of charging facilities in

increased renewable fuel sources in final consumption and a reduction in

new buildings. similar measures have been proven to grow ev numbers

carbon emissions are interlinked and mutually dependent. with the

rapidly in other countries. the cnG network should be rolled out as

introduction of more renewables, then GHG emissions will fall. However,

planned to enable the van and bus fleets to switch from diesel to a fuel

this report has quite clearly identified that not enough measures are on

that emits less GHGs. Government tenders should specify the types of fuel

track to increase renewables in the fuel mix for heat (res-H) and

that private service operators must use in their fuel mix and grants should

transport (res-t). similarly, a lack of buy-in to the energy efficiency target

be offered to encourage the private sector to invest in cnG-powered

means that ireland is a long way from achieving the 20% obligation.

22 engIneerS Ireland

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Main research areas of focus to 2050. A. Active consumers at the centre of the energy system

A.1 social and behavioural aspects of the energy transition, including: i) energy efficiency; ii) transport; iii) social acceptance of energy infrastructure; and, iv) approaches to societal engagement.

B. demand focus

B.1 energy efficiency

c. system optimisation

c.1 electricity c.2 Gas/water c.3 smart cities/communities c.4 integrated energy systems modelling

d. secure, cost-effective, clean and competitive supply

d.1 wind/solar energy d.2 Bioenergy d.3 ocean energy d.4 sustainable transport systems d.5 sustainable heating/cooling

Energy technologies for ireland, there is no single silver bullet. the adoption of different

capability, built up over many years and across a range of

technologies will depend on the maturity and relative cost of the

institutions. Particular progress has been made over the past

technology, bearing the affordability question in mind. this report

decade, due in part to good policy decisions such as the initiation of

has endeavoured to recommend actions that are achievable with

the charles Parsons Awards and the strategy report of the irish

current technologies and resources available to ireland today.

energy research council. the energy research mandate given to

However, ireland needs to stop closing the door on technologies that

science foundation ireland (sfi), including the current proposed

may have to be considered in the future and remain open to those

large biomass research centre, plus the establishment and funding

that have yet to be developed.

of the international energy research centre in cork, the energy

the recently published energy white Paper sets a very clear

research institute in ucd and the Marine and renewable energy

direction for energy policy, in line with ireland's commitments under

ireland (Marei) centre, is critical to developing further technologies

the Paris Agreement: "our vision of a low-carbon energy system

in the renewable space. the work of the seAi and other state

means that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the energy sector

agencies, and the proactive response of industry and academia to

will be reduced by between 80% and 95% compared to 1990 levels,

these policy decisions, is also a major contributor.

by 2050, and will fall to zero or below by 2100”.

the role of energy research in facilitating ireland's transition to a

in order to achieve this, a major transition is required in how we

low-carbon future is highlighted in the energy white Paper. the

meet our energy needs in a sustainable, secure and affordable way

Paper refers to the forthcoming publication of the report of the

across the transport, heating and electricity sectors. in fact, this

energy research strategy Group (ersG), which will include a

transition is already underway. it is widely recognised that new

roadmap comprising areas of focus to 2050, while also identifying

technologies, and the further development of existing technologies,

the key elements of a world-class energy system capable of

will be required in order to effect this transition, and to this end

addressing the challenges of energy security, sustainability and

governments, institutions and enterprises across the world are

competitiveness.

committing significant resources to energy research and innovation.

Added to those research areas of focus listed in the white Paper are

for example, the eu strategic energy technology (set) Plan seeks to

two additional areas where ireland should adopt a 'watching brief'.

accelerate knowledge development, technology transfer and

these are carbon capture and storage (ccs), and developments in

deployment of low-carbon energy technologies and systems in order

nuclear energy.

to achieve the eu's 2030 energy and climate change goals and to

in relation to ccs, this technology has the potential to substantially

enable the transition to a low-carbon economy by 2050. the eu set

reduce carbon emissions, and it features strongly in low-carbon

Plan is underpinned by the eu's Horizon 2020 €70 billion funding

scenarios developed by the ieA and other bodies. However,

programme for research and development, of which €6 billion is

depending on the energy required to convert the co2 gas into a

earmarked for non-nuclear energy research.

storable and transportable form, it could be expensive and its

ireland has developed a diverse and vibrant energy research

utilisation may reduce significantly the overall process efficiency of

engIneerS Ireland 23

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

in relation to nuclear energy, the eu energy roadmap shows that this will remain an important part of the eu power generation mix in the years to come.

the power plant or industrial application to which it is applied. A

‘Soft infrastructure’

prerequisite for the large-scale deployment of ccs is, therefore, the

ireland’s ambitions to reach the renewable energy targets need

demonstration of the technical and economic feasibility of existing

support from the legislature. High investment costs are incurred by

technologies, together with a comprehensive research programme

developers in preparing planning applications for major

to reduce costs, increase efficiencies across the whole ccs

infrastructure with very little certainty of the planning outcome.

technology chain, and to optimise the technology for use in all

currently, the application fee for a strategic infrastructure

carbon-intensive industrial sectors.

development (sid) is €100,000 and there are other additional costs,

in relation to nuclear energy, the eu energy roadmap shows that

such as preparing environmental impact statements. there needs to

this will remain an important part of the eu power generation mix in

be a more unified and integrated approach to the regulations, as well

the years to come. research and development in this area

as more clarification. for example, in the case of an upstream

internationally is focusing on the development of new fission reactor

pipeline coming ashore, we have the foreshore Act, the strategic

technologies, on enhancing safety across the full nuclear power

infrastructure Act, section 40 of the Gas Act 1976, that is consent to

value chain, and in the development of new and smaller modular

construct and consent to operate, and a safety Permit under the

reactor concepts. A particular ongoing focus is the development of

Petroleum (exploration and extraction) safety (Pees) Acts 2010

sustainable solutions for the management of nuclear waste. in the

and 2015. these consents are determined by different Government

longer term, fusion technology is seen as a potentially attractive

departments or agencies. one Government agency should take

energy solution for clean and large-scale electricity generation

the lead.

towards the end of the century. ireland is one of a number of

delays to projects, including sid projects, mean that the legislation

countries that does not have nuclear power in its domestic electricity

is falling short of its ambition. when it comes to planning appeals

mix. At some point in the future, as the transition to a low-carbon

and the strategic infrastructure Act, timelines are aspirational.

future gathers momentum, and as these new technologies develop a

there should be fixed deadlines. there are no timelines for other

record of successful, commercial and safe operation, it is

consents. obtaining a foreshore licence is a very time-consuming

conceivable that nuclear power could become an attractive option for

process.

ireland.

eu regulation 347 of 2013 introduced a consenting regime for

the white Paper also highlights the enterprise opportunities that flow

trans-european energy networks (ten-e) projects, which are

from a vibrant energy research and innovation ecosystem. ireland is

designated as ‘projects of common interest’. the overall duration

developing a reputation as a world-class location for research across

must be no more than 42 months, with the consent stage taking no

a number of sectors, including life sciences and information and

more than 18 months. where multiple consents are required, the

communications technology, with many global companies actively

regulation requires each member state to nominate an agency to

engaged in research activities in ireland. the energy research sector

co-ordinate the consents. for projects in ireland, which are not

has the potential to achieve similar success – this is recognised in the

‘projects of common interest’ and which require multiple consents, a

ambition to establish ireland as an 'energy innovation Hub'.

co-ordinating agency should be appointed.

24 engIneerS Ireland

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

COMMUNICATIONS

Ireland’s communications network is responsible for saving lives, supporting business as well as providing citizens with access to entertainment and social media. Our voice and data networks are critical to our smarter living modes.

OVERALL GRADE

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016 12-MONTH

B

n Award the National Broadband Plan (NBP) intervention to a contractor(s) and confirm the deployment schedule nationally n Continue the roll-out of the 4G mobile networks nationally and protect the quality of traditional mobile services such as voice n continue to reduce service costs when rates and speeds are not equal in rural/urban areas

What is the current state of infrastructure?

FIVE-YEAR

n Roll-out of affordable high-speed broadband services nationally n Ireland’s national broadband infrastructure should be in the top five of European league tables in terms of availability, uptake and speed n Continue to research and develop the network in anticipation of 5G services

contractor(s) for the deployment of this infrastructure, with construction

A recent report by the european commission (digital economy and

expected to start in 2017. this initiative is likely to have a major impact on

society index) ranks ireland 8th in the eu for a range of digital integration

the market as a whole.

issues. However, this rate of growth in the last year is behind the average growth across the eu, placing ireland in a cluster of countries deemed to

Mobile infrastructure

be ‘lagging ahead’. in the mobile category ireland is ranked 7th of the eu

the infrastructure supporting mobile services has been upgraded, driven

28 at 67.7%, ahead of the eu average of 62.4%. ireland has significantly

by the roll-out of 4G networks by all mobile operators to serve data users

improved its performance in the connectivity dimension in the last year,

and the need to reduce the operating costs of the networks through site

jumping from 16th to 13th place.

consolidation and the sharing of towers and masts.

there has been convergence of technologies during the last five years – cable tv providers now provide broadband and traditional telecoms

What does the future hold?

companies now deliver tv content. Quad play bundles (voice, mobile voice,

since 2010, worldwide internet data demand has grown by over 40% year

data and video) are now commonplace in the market and the focus has

on year. the telecommunications infrastructure is challenged, with

shifted to content now that the required broadband speeds are more

ever-increasing demands on the networks by consumers who demand

prevalent.

that both business and lifestyle requirements are met. services are now expected to be always available irrespective of location.

Broadband

the future includes the adaptation of the network for 5G services, with

€2bn plus has been invested in the network infrastructure by industry

research already underway to facilitate these requirements.

over the past four years. industry anticipates that 1.6m homes will have access to high-speed broadband provided by commercial operators in the

What actions do we need to take?

near future: approximately 70% of all premises in ireland. international

the continued investment by commercial operators is fundamental to

connectivity has improved, with the landing of transatlantic cables to both

increasing ireland’s competitiveness in the years ahead.

cork and Mayo in 2015, which lessen the dependency on dublin-based

the implementation of the nBP intervention is a cornerstone to ensuring

connectivity. Achievements include advances in fibre-to-the-home

that rural ireland gets access to high-speed broadband and enabling

connectivity, which barely existed in ireland five years ago. ireland had the

digital services in all homes throughout ireland.

seventh fastest broadband speed in the world in 2014, ahead of the uK and

Mobile networks need to ensure that high-quality services are made

Germany, but dropped to 12th in europe in 2015 and 23rd in the world.

available for traditional services, as well as enhancing the services available for mobile broadband users. Additional spectrum is likely to be

Broadband in rural Ireland

made available in the near term and this needs to be harnessed wisely to

the remaining 30% of premises not served by broadband represent the

improve the performance and capacity of the networks. in addition, the

target for state intervention. the national Broadband Plan (nBP)

continued roll-out of the 4G networks is an essential enhancement to the

procurement process was initiated in december 2015, to select the

communications infrastructure nationally.

engIneerS Ireland 25

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

TRANSPORT Developing a transport infrastructure that meets the requirements of Irish society and the Irish economy is essential to the future prosperity of the State. Critical to this is an integrated approach to road, rail, air and sea transport.

OVERALL GRADE

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016 12-MONTH

C SECTOR GRADE Roads: Motorways

B

Roads: Other routes

D

Sustainable transport

D

Rail

C

Airports

B

Sea ports

C

26 engIneerS Ireland

n Progress funding mechanisms for delayed national road projects countrywide n Improve road management systems in conjunction with increased road maintenance funds n Progress development of second runway at Dublin Airport n Develop solution for North Dublin and Dublin Airport rail n Continue to invest in improved facilities for pedestrians and cyclists, in particular in the major cities

FIVE-YEAR

n Accelerate the prioritisation of investment in infrastructure projects to increase Ireland’s competitiveness and address the unemployment challenge n Progress the planning process for port redevelopments in Cork and Galway n Agree standards for data formats and communication protocols for integrated traffic systems to enable information sharing n Continue to work towards the development of an integrated, frequent and reliable network of public transport services in our cities, including integrating fare structures across bus and rail modes

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

Roads

routes. the announcement of the dArt extension to Balbriggan,

limited investment during the economic downturn has left national

Hazelhatch and Maynooth, along with Metro north, is welcomed. A light

roads badly in need of investment. the motorway network is currently

rail network in cork should be examined. the extension of the luAs

able to cope with levels of traffic, but the M50 has started to suffer

lines is welcome. However, a longer term plan for future tram lines is

congestion due to increased traffic volumes.

needed instead of the current ‘stop-start’ approach.

Beyond the motorways, ireland’s remaining road network is in very variable condition and is not capable of meeting usual demand,

Airports

certainly not to an international level. Austere budgetary measures have

ireland’s international air connectivity is critical for tourism and

seen the road maintenance programmes significantly reduced to

business travel. irish airports are well maintained and the authorities

unsustainable levels. reduced budgets mean that national and local

continue to invest to maintain the safety and security of the

authorities have insufficient resources to maintain their road networks

infrastructure.

in acceptable condition.

the announcement of the construction of a new runway at dublin Airport, on hold since 2007, is an indication of ireland’s growing

Public, integrated and sustainable transport

economic confidence. existing regional airports should be maintained

A holistic approach is required when it comes to transport and energy,

because of their importance for the economic development of ireland

given ireland’s dispersed population and the need for a private

outside of dublin.

passenger car fleet. investment in urban cycle routes, bus corridors, hybrid/electric buses

Sea ports

and pedestrian facilities are critical to improve ireland’s urban spaces,

ireland’s commercial sea ports are vital for most exports and imports,

making them pollution and noise free as well as contributing to the eu

as well as for the tourism sector. furthermore, our marine

renewable energy directive to increase energy efficiency, use more

infrastructure includes both large and small fishing harbours and small

renewable fuel sources and reduce carbon emissions.

leisure harbours. the Port of Galway is currently awaiting the green light to commence expansion of a new deep-water port and

Rail

reclaim land from Galway Bay under the strategic infrastructure Act.

ireland’s heavy rail network is certainly fit for purpose but increasing

the connectivity, particularly for freight, of our seaports to the overall

numbers of commuters and tourists will put a strain on certain urban

transport network needs to be prioritised.

engIneerS Ireland 27

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

WATER SUPPLY AND WASTEWATER The quality of Ireland’s drinking water is underpinned by investment in water treatment plants, and the quality of the receiving aquatic environment is underpinned by investment in wastewater treatment plants.

OVERALL GRADE

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016 12-MONTH

n Ensure that Ireland preserves a public water utility as the best way of ensuring that the water industry is brought to the standards required by a modern economy n Ensure that adequate funding is available to allow the utility to meet its objectives, including eliminating boil water notices and reducing the number of supplies at risk n Provide investment in infrastructure capacity to support critical housing needs and employment growth

D SECTOR GRADE Water supply

C

Wastewater

D

FIVE-YEAR

n Place an immediate focus on eliminating current boil water notices and ensure that the risk of further notices is addressed by 2021 n Progress construction of required wastewater infrastructure so as to achieve compliance with the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive and eliminate the 45 untreated discharges by 2021

Water supply

What does the future hold?

■ irish water supplies drinking water to 3.3 million people/80% of the

irish water’s Business Plan, published in october 2015, has identified a

population

€5.5bn capital investment need up to 2021, and the investment required to

■ 63,000km of water pipelines have been mapped

address all known deficits is estimated to be €13bn.

■ 1,600 million litres of drinking water are produced daily

for water and wastewater, the most critical item at present is the future of

■ Average age of an irish water main: 75 years; average age of an eu

ireland’s public water and wastewater utility – irish water – and resolving

the uK ■ 119 water treatment plants on the ePA’s remedial action list (rAl) (Q1 2016), supplying 800,000 people, need investment ■ over half of the 900 water supplies have one or more deficiency and are below the industry standard ■ 29,165 customers are currently under boil water notices ■ nine new water treatment plants and 19 major upgrades to existing

investment levels are met.

1,600

mIllIon lITreS of

drInKIng waTer

daIly

■ 47% of treated water is lost through leakage – almost twice the level of

the question of the funding model that will ensure that the required

Produced

water main: 36 years

water treatment plants are to be implemented by 2016

by irish water ■ wastewater infrastructure consists of 1,100 treatment plants and 25,000km of sewers ■ there are 45 locations where sewage is being discharged untreated or with preliminary treatment only ■ 156 wastewater treatment plants are overloaded and do not meet the required standards ■ Major and extensive upgrades to the wastewater networks are required to meet eu directive standards

28 engIneerS Ireland

average age of IrISh

waTer maInS

75

■ 70% of the population is served by public sewerage schemes, operated

yearS

Wastewater

A review of infrAstructure in irelAnd

FLOOD MANAGEMENT AND WATER QUALITY Many parts of Ireland remain at high risk of flooding. In other areas that are currently not associated with flooding, the risk will increase. This presents considerable challenges in terms of flood risk management.

OVERALL GRADE

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016 12-MONTH

C SECTOR GRADE Flood management

D

Water quality

C

n Continue to engage with local communities to develop specific measures for each regional area impacted by flooding n Complete the flood risk management plans, setting out the long-term strategy for flood risk management n Complete the second cycle of river basin management plans

water quality deals with water in the natural environment – lakes, rivers, groundwater, and coastal bays and estuaries. A major programme – the river basin management plans – is underway to meet the objectives of the eu’s water framework directive, which is designed to protect all high-status waters, prevent further deterioration of all waters, and restore degraded surface and ground waters to good status.

FIVE-YEAR

n Develop a national future flood forecasting service n Implement the measures and actions set out in the flood risk management plans in a timely manner n Provide annual updates on the progress of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive

■ 48% of rivers, 57% of lakes, 55% of estuaries and 4% of coastal waters assessed were impacted ■ the two most important suspected causes of river pollution are agriculture and municipal sources, accounting for 53% and 34% of cases, respectively ■ the 13.6% target for improvement in surface water as set out in the first river basin management plan, as per the water

Flood management

framework directive, is unlikely to be achieved

■ 300 areas for further assessment (AfAs) have been identified, including 90 coastal communities at risk ■ detailed flood maps were published in november 2015 ■ More than 300 community public consultation days have been held nationwide under the catchment flood risk Assessment and Management (cfrAM) Programme ■ six flood relief schemes are in construction and 30 are at design and planning stage ■ thirty-six flood relief schemes have been completed to date at a

What does the future hold? Adverse weather has contributed to significant flooding events in 2015/2016, and with sudden, unfavourable weather likely to be a future regular occurrence, the publication of the flood risk management plans scheduled for summer 2016 is timely. flooding caused by intense rainfall (pluvial) is compounded because the amount of solid material going into gullies and drains increases, causing blockages and flooding.

cost of €240m, providing protection to over 7,000 properties and

the minor works scheme funded through local authorities supports

more than €1bn in net present value benefits

minor works to alleviate specific problems identified locally. this

■ €33m has been approved for 500 projects under minor works schemes with local authorities

funding model, which should continue for the foreseeable future, has resulted in a total of 500 projects receiving approval in the past six

■ An arterial drainage maintenance programme is ongoing

years and contributes to the monitoring and maintenance

■ capital investment is to increase per annum from €50 million in

programme.

2016 to €100 million over the next six years

As part of the second river basin management plan, the seven river basin districts (rBds) will be reconfigured into three rBds and new

Water quality

biological tools will be developed for the monitoring programme.

■ 99% of ireland’s groundwater is classed as ‘good’ – an increase from

this cycle will run until 2021 and the draft plans are currently being

85.4% in the last assessment by the environmental Protection Agency

developed in consultation, led by local authorities at regional level.

engIneerS Ireland 29

The STaTe of Ireland 2016

WASTE The waste management sector has a key role to play in Ireland’s transition to a circular economy but a strong national policy framework is required to deliver national targets and support market practitioners to continue to invest in the collection and treatment infrastructure needed.

OVERALL GRADE

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 2016 12-MONTH

C

n Continue the roll-out of the organic waste collection system to households and businesses, supporting the national transition to pay-by-weight charging n Compile and publish a live register of waste treatment facilities to support the roll-out of future investment n Identify weaknesses in the current policy environment, such as ineffective economic instruments, which are not supporting investment in new infrastructure, and communicate the findings to policy makers

FIVE-YEAR

n Ensure that the necessary policy environment and infrastructure is put in place to deliver the prevention and recycling targets as set out in the regional waste management plans n Prioritise the development of indigenous waste treatment facilities including anaerobic digestion and biological treatment capacity, soil recovery capacity, mechanical processing capacity and additional thermal recovery capacity n Review the need for contingency landfill capacity as a national backstop to prevent serious waste-related events that threaten the health of citizens and our environment

What is the current state of waste infrastructure?

increasingly difficult to secure outlets for this exported waste in europe.

in 2014, the environmental Protection Agency (ePA) released some

the collection and treatment of organic wastes from households,

up-to-date statistics on progress towards eu waste recycling, recovery

businesses and the agricultural sector represents an opportunity for

and diversion targets, which indicate that ireland has already met or is on

innovation and jobs but requires continuous investment. More treatment

track to meet a range of waste targets, including the amount of total

facilities are required, as outlined in the regional waste plans. However,

biodegradable municipal waste permitted to go to landfill by 2016.

the policy environment in ireland has not sufficiently incentivised the

Achieving these goals has required progress on a number of fronts, with

market to attract the investment needed, with developments moving to

policy playing a key part in creating roles for both the public and private

northern ireland, where more attractive fiscal supports are available.

sectors. resource efficiency programmes such as the national waste Prevention Programme and rx3 – rethink, recycle, remake – have been

What does the future hold?

extremely effective. As the circular economy increasingly becomes the

european waste policy is in the process of changing, which will require

core resource policy of the european commission, the discontinuation of

ireland to rethink our approach to managing waste, by viewing our waste

rx3 appears to be an opportunity missed to build on the initial work.

streams as valuable material resources. Making better use of our

in waste planning terms, waste management plans for the new southern,

resources and reducing the leakage of materials, as wastes, from our

eastern-Midlands, and connacht-ulster regions, and the national

economy, will deliver benefits economically and environmentally to

Hazardous waste Management Plan 2014-2020, have called for further

ireland. the move to a circular economy, replacing outdated industrial

investment in treatment infrastructure for inert, non-hazardous and

take-make-consume and dispose models, is essential if we are to make

hazardous wastes. it is important that the investment in treatment

better use of our resources and become more resource efficient. the

infrastructure identified in these waste plans is delivered to ensure that

waste sector has the potential to play a leading role in the development of

ireland’s policy objectives and targets are achieved.

the circular economy in ireland, and we must ensure that the policy

Alongside these policy developments has been the provision of thermal

environment supports the investment required.

recovery infrastructure, replacing landfills, for the treatment of residual municipal and industrial wastes. the waste-to-energy facility in Meath is

What actions do we need to take?

operational and the new facility in Poolbeg, dublin, will commence

ireland needs to develop additional waste treatment facilities, including

production in 2017. Planning applications for a facility in co. cork and in

further biological treatment, reprocessing and recovery capacity, to

northern ireland’s arc21 waste region have also been lodged and should

ensure that the necessary indigenous infrastructure is in place to deliver

help to address the geographical imbalance in infrastructure on the

the waste management plans and provide for sustainable final treatment

island. Municipal waste that is not treated in ireland is currently being

of our wastes. we also need to ensure resilience and contingency in the

exported for recovery abroad. this activity is a lost economic and resource

sector, so that unforeseen waste events can be managed safely. these

opportunity and, if this waste was treated at home, would contribute

developments will support the policy shift necessary to ensure that waste

significantly to meeting renewable energy targets. it is also becoming

is treated as a valuable resource rather than as a burden on our economy.

30 engIneerS Ireland

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Engineers Ireland 22 clyde road Ballsbridge dublin 4. tel: 00 353 1 665 1300 fax: 00 353 1 668 5508 www.engineersireland.ie