Seán Power (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

The Minister recently launched the microgeneration programme, which is being operated by ESB Customer Supply and supported by ESB Networks. The programme will provide up to 4,000 domestic customers investing in microscale projects with a financial payment for electricity exported back to the grid. It will also enable two way metering to be installed without additional charge to the customer. The electricity producer will be paid a price of 19 cent per kilowatt-hour, which will help to offset the start up costs. The microtechnologies in question include wind and hydro as well as combined heat and power.

It is the case that microscale electricity production will benefit the participating customers up-front by offsetting their purchase of electricity from their electricity suppliers. The additional incentive of a guaranteed price for electricity exported back to the grid is a significant encouragement to invest. This competitive feed-in tariff will apply to the first 4,000 microgeneration installations countrywide over the next three years.

Sustainable Energy Ireland has also launched a microgeneration pilot programme involving research and field trials, including support for between 50 and 60 installations on a pilot basis, of microscale projects. The field trials will address a range of issues including grid connection and technical standards to ensure the power security, safety and quality of installations.

The Minister is satisfied the guaranteed price under the new programme and the grant support available from SEI for testing technical issues will attract sufficient market interest to ensure investment and underpin the steady development of a national micro generation capability.

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