Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government contains a commitment to further decrease Ireland's dependence on imported fossil fuels through the use of indigenous renewable energy resources. This commitment builds on the 2015 energy White Paper which recognised the long-term strategic importance of diversifying Ireland's energy generation portfolio. With this in mind, my Department is working on the development of a new renewable electricity support scheme, RESS.  As part of this process, a range of renewable energy technologies will be being assessed, including solar photovoltaics, PV, and offshore wind power technology. It is widely recognised that solar PV technology is becoming cost competitive for electricity generation, not only compared with other renewables but also with conventional forms of generation. It also brings a number of benefits such as relatively quick construction and a range of deployment options, including solar roof-mounted PV and utility-scale solar PV technology.

Ireland’s potentially has one of the best offshore renewable energy resources in the world. Offshore wind projects have been used effectively in other EU member states and can yield a higher relative energy output than onshore wind projects. While the affordability of offshore wind projects has improved in recent years, it remains an expensive option. The most up-to-date installation costs for offshore wind projects will be examined as part of the renewable electricity support scheme development process. This work will help to inform a final decision on whether offshore wind projects are currently a cost-effective option for deployment in Ireland.

The findings of the first technology review public consultation process on a new renewable support scheme were published in 2015 and following the completion of detailed economic analysis of the viability and cost effectiveness of supporting a range of renewable technologies, the findings of a second public consultation process will be published in early 2017. Details of the next public consultation process will be advertised on my  Department's website. Before any new scheme is introduced, it will need to secure Government approval and state aid clearance from the European Commission. The new support scheme for renewable electricity is expected to become available in late 2017.

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