Scenario: News
Newspaper for 1st June 2015

Requirements for an Energy Policy for Ireland

These requirements were drawn together from group discussions held at the Envisioning Ireland’s Energy Future seminar, held in Dublin on 12th of October 2005. 

Preconditions for an Energy Policy
* Awareness amongst voters that we are lacking a policy and without we are likely to stumble towards a solution

Supply Security - Security of supply and therefore stability of price is more important than the best price.
* We are currently at the end of the gas supply line and have only one connection, to Scotland, for that gas.  There is currently a gas reserve of 15 days should anything happen to this connection.  The Corrib gas field would act a buffer in this situation but can only meet 20% of our requirements.
* If energy prices are constantly rising and falling businesses will not want to invest in capital projects until it becomes clear where energy prices are going in future.

Market Driven - the policy should allow for changes to be market driven without stifling regulation
* Remove subsidies on inefficient use of energy such as using tax-payers money to build roads, avaiation fuel tax (although this change would have to be multilateral)
* Provide short term subsidies for new technologies to allow them to scale-up but ONLY short term.
* Provide level playing field for all alternatives and do not try to pick winners by favouring one solution over another (providing solutions meet other characteristics of policy)
* Removal of all current regulation that is preventing alternatives that are market ready from being implemented, this includes grid connectivity and buy-back deals.

Time
* The policy describe the long-term vision that we are working towards.
* The sooner we start the sooner we feel the benefits
* The policy lays out a long term plan so that changes are flagged well in advance to allow businesses to plan.  Changes must not be dumped on people.

Environmental Consideration
* No solutions that systematically increase concentrations of greenhouse gases or other pollutants to be included.  ie. gases can be released during the construction but not during operation.  The rules out methane hydrates, peat,
* Ensure food/fuel balance is not threatened by focus on use of land for creating energy.  Fuel security is important, food security even more so.

Awareness
* Create awareness of energy issues and policy for handling amongst all.
* Long-term plan is in the public domain
* Schools are focus for developing awareness - it is the next generation that are going to take energy seriously.
* The stimulate growth in this area at all levels of business, from the smallest to the largest, ensure everyone is aware of the changes ahead and how they could effect their business, and the potential for new business opportunities.

Energy Poverty
* Policy ensures that the everyone can afford the essential energy to heat and light their homes and can make essential journeys.  One solution is to issue tradable carbon quotas to all citizens.
* Solution ensure fairness of distribution.

Joined up Thinking
* Between all departments, this is not just an issue one department, but effects ALL.
* Between political parties - we cannot afford to be divided on this.
* Policy allows for no-growth scenario.  We cannot assume that, as part of the world economy, we can maintain growth through this period of transition.

Focus on Advantages
* Maratime - transport by sea is relatively cheap.
* Take best advantage of wind
* Knowledge already scattered around the country on how develop and live with a low energy lifestyle

Energy Infrastructure
* Design and upgrading of all energy related networks and this include:
- electricity grid to allow distributed, small scale generation
- broadband to allow home-working
- public transport system to increase transport efficiency
- transport as a whole, road, rail, water and air.
* Develop training and accreditation programs in new technologies.

Energy Conservation
* Policy initially focuses on reducing demand as the cheapest and most effective.
* Options for modifying work practises - including teleworking, flexitime.