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

The 2009 EU renewable energy directive sets Ireland a legally binding target of meeting 16% of our energy requirements from renewable sources by 2020. Ireland is committed to achieving this target through meeting 40% of electricity demand, 12% of heat and 10% of transport from renewable energy sources. The Government has a range of policy measures and schemes to incentivise the use of renewable energy and although good progress towards the target has been made, meeting the 16% target remains challenging.

The 2015 Energy White Paper recognises the potential contribution micro-generation can make to Ireland meeting its renewable energy targets and commits to explore the scope to provide market support for micro-generation. My Department is currently developing a proposed new renewable electricity support scheme, RESS, which will be designed to assist us in meeting our 2020 and 2030 renewable electricity targets.  As part of the RESS analysis, which is under way, providing pathways for micro-generation across a range of technologies is being assessed and community participation in Ireland’s renewable energy transition will be a key feature of the new scheme. This analysis will help shape effective policies and identify appropriate market intervention mechanisms to support these policy objectives. A second public consultation will be published in quarter two of this year outlining various design options. However, following the outcome of this second consultation and before any new scheme can be introduced, it will need to secure Government approval and state aid clearance from the European Commission. Subject to this, it is expected the new scheme will become operational in the first half of 2018.

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