Ossian Smyth (Dún Laoghaire, Green Party) | Oireachtas source

Through the first two renewable electricity support scheme, RESS, auctions, my Department has provided pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects through the application of a community projects category. Ten community projects were successful in the RESS 2 auction. Of these, eight signed implementation agreements to deliver under the RESS 2 terms and conditions and remain in the scheme. Those projects are proceeding through the scheme milestones. Some may develop through alternative routes to market, including the upcoming small-scale renewable electricity support scheme, SRESS. The final date for projects to achieve commercial operation in RESS 2 is 31 December 2026. There is evidence of significant challenges which renewable energy community projects may face with the competitive, auction-based nature of RESS, along with grid and other barriers to project delivery. Community projects therefore will now transition to the non-competitive small-scale renewable electricity support scheme. The export tariff phase of SRESS to support small-scale and community renewable projects is due to be launched in the coming weeks with the announcement of relevant tariff support rates which will be a major step forward in supporting the community energy sector. It will include similar community energy-enabling technical and financial supports that are currently provided under RESS.

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