MEP for Ireland South Seán Kelly has confirmed that he will vote against an objection tabled by the European Greens on the fourth Projects of Common Interest list.

The MEP confirmed the news ahead of a vote in the European Parliament today, Wednesday, February 12.

PCI list

The fourth Projects of Common Interest (PCI) list cites important projects needed to implement cross-border energy infrastructure in order for the EU to achieve its energy objectives including an affordable, secure and sustainable energy supplies for all citizens, the MEP noted.

Commenting, Kelly said: “I believe the projects on this list are important for the creation of a well-functioning internal energy market in the EU as they support the ambition of a stable, secure and affordable supply of energy.

“In addition, the investments will of course create jobs and growth in the regions concerned.

“The list of energy projects comes as a package and it has to be approved as a package,” Kelly said, speaking from Strasbourg.

Rejecting the list would mean blocking a number of important new projects including the Celtic Interconnector, Ireland’s proposed electricity interconnection with France, additional electricity interconnections between Ireland and the UK, and the proposed new renewable hydroelectric power station in Tipperary.

Kelly highlighted that such projects are “all important elements of Ireland’s move towards renewable energy”, and a key part of Ireland’s objective of reaching 70% renewable electricity by 2030.

Gas

“Regarding the inclusion of gas projects, in all projected transitions to a low carbon economy by 2050, gas will continue to play a role in sustaining the transition,” the MEP asserted.

“It plays an important role in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the power generation, industrial and commercial, residential and transport sectors by replacing more CO2-intensive fossil fuels like coal and oil.

Furthermore, gas-fired electricity generation is well placed to address the variability of wind and solar supplies and provide back-up flexibility and reliability for our electricity supply.

Kelly observed that, at present, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment is undertaking an evaluation of the security of energy supply taking into account Ireland’s transition to a zero-carbon world.

“This review will include a full consideration of international evidence, and I believe this will be important in making sure Ireland has a secure supply of energy for its citizens at all times,” he concluded.