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

The programme for Government commits to the development of microgeneration and to letting people sell excess power back to the grid by June 2021. The climate action plan that my predecessor introduced included the delivery of a framework for microgeneration, whilst ensuring principles of equity, self-consumption and energy efficiency first are incorporated. There are a range of measures in place to deliver on these commitments.

A microgeneration working group, chaired by my Department, is examining an enabling framework which tackles existing barriers and establishes suitable supports within relevant market segments. This work is an integral part of our emerging photovoltaic solar strategy.

My Department has engaged with ESB Networks on grid capacity and connection issues, and with the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, SEAI, on a review of the solar PV scheme in order to capture the lessons learned.

The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government is reviewing the planning exemptions for solar installations in consultation with my Department, and has agreed in principle to provide for exemptions to new building types, including apartments, community and educational buildings. I further understand an aviation safety mapping exercise is under way by that Department, which will inform the finalisation of the relevant regulations. It is anticipated that this will be completed by the end of this year.

My Department has also engaged external advisors to identify possible support options for microgeneration. A proposed support mechanism will be outlined in a public consultation in the coming months. A suitable support payment for excess electricity generated on site and exported to the grid will be available to all microgenerators by 2021 in line with the transposition of the recast renewable energy directive into Irish law.

The SEAI launched a pilot microgeneration scheme in July 2018 for domestic customers. To date, 3,691 applications have received grant support totalling €9 million, saving approximately 3 kt of carbon dioxide per annum.

In September 2019, ESB Networks commenced the roll-out of the smart meter programme for all domestic and business premises which is due for completion in 2024. To date, 120,000 smart meters have been installed.

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