John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Question 573: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if he plans to introduce a scheme of feed in tariffs, similar to one in the UK, where individual households are paid for each unit of electricity they produce using renewables; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31470/10]

Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 576: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the reason the microgeneration tariff is not included in the national renewable energy action plan; if microgeneration is part of his solution to reach our 2020 targets; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31534/10]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 573 and 576 together.

Directive 2009/28/EC requires each Member State to submit a national renewable energy action plan. These plans are to set out Member States' national targets for the share of energy from renewable sources consumed in transport, electricity and heating and cooling in 2020, taking into account the effects of other policy measures relating to energy efficiency on final consumption of energy. Ireland's draft national renewable energy action plan is available on the Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources website. The draft plan includes reference to the current microgeneration tariff available to the domestic sector.

Microgeneration is referenced at many points in the draft plan and includes the commitment to put in place a robust framework for the development of a vibrant microgeneration sector as an important component of building societal acceptance and participation in achieving national renewable energy targets. The microgeneration area has the potential to create employment and enable participation by a wide section of the community. The Government is committed to developing a comprehensive microgeneration framework which will be taken forward up to 2020.'

The draft plan also provides detailed information on the microgeneration pilot scheme currently being conducted by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland and states that "In conjunction with the pilot trials, the market potential of microgeneration and the possible supports that would be needed to achieve that potential are being considered".

The principal objective of the pilot is to investigate and test technical, market and regulatory issues associated with the installation, network connection and operation of small and micro scale generation technologies. An associated programme objective is to assess measures required for supplier and product qualification to minimise the risk of adverse outcomes at small-scale and microgeneration installations, hence promoting the robust growth of a supply base.

It is recognised that the equipment used for microgeneration needs to be safe and reliable and should perform to the specified standards. Installation quality may also impact performance and safety, and therefore there is a need for standards for microgeneration installations and for installer training. By ensuring that the technical specifications and standards for equipment and installations are properly defined, the secure running of the electricity system can be maintained.

The draft plan also highlights the importance of ensuring that adequate training and certification schemes for installers are in place in order to ensure safety and reliability and to develop confidence in the sector.