Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
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452. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources for an update on the ongoing consultation process on payment mechanisms for micro-generators exporting their surplus power from solar panels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35481/15]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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In the context of the forthcoming energy policy paper, my Department is considering the optimal fuel mix, including the role of renewable energy, for Ireland. The Green Paper on Energy Policy, inter alia, sought feedback on the role that alternative technologies, such as solar, could play in delivering our renewable energy ambitions. Views received will be taken into consideration in the preparation of the White Paper on Energy which will be published before the end of this year. The Renewable Electricity Feed-in-Tariff (REFIT) schemes are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for renewable energy exported to the grid. These schemes support electricity generated from a range of renewable sources including small scale hydro, biomass and wind. Small scale renewable generation is eligible to apply for support under the REFIT schemes. Solar PV is not one of the qualifying technologies for this scheme. Further information is available on my Department's website, .

Analysis of the potential of microgeneration technologies such as small scale wind, solar (including photovoltaic) and small scale hydro, has been carried out by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI). The SEAI's findings, along with responses to the recent consultation on the Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland, will inform future policy on the provision of any market support for microgeneration.

On 31 July the Department launched a consultation on a new support scheme for renewable electricity. While the initial phase of the consultation closed on 18 September 2015, there will be two further opportunities to contribute at key stages in the design of any new scheme. The consultations will be informative regarding the technologies that will assist in meeting our future renewable energy targets. Subject to Government approval and State Aid clearance from the European Commission, the new scheme would become available in 2016.