Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

We are doing exactly that. We have three phases. In respect of microgeneration, householders can now sell power back to the grid. All suppliers have to offer them that price and that capability. We are going then to what we are calling microgeneration on a slightly bigger scale, of up to 50 kV, where someone might have larger premises such as a barn, a business premises roof and so on, where there are large amounts of solar. We are out on consultation on the third phase of this at the present time, which is small-scale generation.

In terms of capacity that can reach 5 MW and means a farmer will not have to go through the auction process and all these complex systems. We need quick ways to do this, for farmers in particular. This is another element of the agreement we got in the summer on sectoral emissions, which provides for an additional 3 GW of solar. Much of that could come from farms setting aside power from solar. That is obviously subject to grid connection, which is why grid is key. That is outside the auction system. It is easily and more immediately deliverable and it will be key. It has huge potential not just for farmers but also for any business with a large surface roof area.