Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I announced earlier this year the introduction of a new support programme to grant-aid a series of 50 or so micro-scale wind and photovoltaic electricity generating projects suitable for use in both domestic and commercial locations.

Sustainable Energy Ireland (SEI), which is administering the scheme, has recently completed consultations with industry stakeholders on micro scale devices and industry standards. The programme will open shortly to receive applications in accordance with the published qualifying conditions. As part of the new programme, SEI will also shortly publish a guide to connecting renewable electricity generators to the electricity network.

The Revised Part L Building Regulations include a compulsory renewable energy component for all new houses. This will not only ensure that renewables are integrated into the housing stock but will also encourage developers to take account of a range of renewable options when developing new homes. In February 2007 exemptions from the requirement to apply for planning permission for certain categories of micro-generation technologies were introduced under Statutory Instrument. S.I. No. 83 of 2007 "Planning and Development Regulations 2007". Following further consultation last year, SI 235 of 2008 "Planning and Development Regulations 2008", provides for further planning exemptions for additional classes of renewable energy installations.

The Commission for Energy Regulation jointly with ESB Networks have recently amended the rules associated with small scale generators. It is now the case that generators of less than 6kW on single phase electricity and 11kW on three phase electricity supply cables can now connect their generators without prior authorisation.