Lynn Boylan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 6:

In page 11, to delete lines 10 to 13 and substitute the following:

“(a) €100 per megawatt hour for electricity produced from the source referred to in paragraph(a), (b)or (g)insection 7,

(b) €120 per megawatt hour for electricity produced from the source referred to in paragraph (d)of section7,

(c) €180 per megawatt hour for electricity produced from the source referred to in paragraph(c), (f), or(h)of section 7, and”.

The rationale behind this amendment is to facilitate a reduction in the cap on wind and solar energy from €120 per megawatt hour to €100 per megawatt hour. On examining the cap relating to the REFIT scheme, we find that the point of profitability for wind and solar is well below €120. We believe there is room for further adjustment, while simultaneously signalling and safeguarding the future viability of the sector. It is worth noting that the French Government has also set a threshold of €100 in respect of wind, solar and nuclear energy. That is the reasoning behind our amendment. There is room for more substantial change, so the amendment will push the boundaries, increasing returns for the Irish taxpayer. These could then be utilised to support people during the winter and beyond.