Michael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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539. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the renewable energy feed in tariff pricing for solar power; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15379/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The White Paper on Energy Policy includes a commitment to introduce a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) designed to encourage the development of Ireland’s abundant, diverse and indigenous renewable energy resources. The Programme for Government also commits to facilitating the development of solar energy projects.In July 2015, the Department launched the first public consultation regarding the introduction of a proposed Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) in Ireland. In-depth economic analysis is now underway to inform the actual cost of a new scheme and, while no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, the cost and technical viability of solar photovoltaic (PV) - both roof-top and utility-scale - is being examined as part of the assessment process.

Once the detailed economic analysis is complete, there will be an additional public consultation phase on the design of the new scheme. The details of this will be advertised on the Department’s website www.dcenr.gov.ie..

The introduction of any new scheme - including the overall costs and technologies to be support - will be subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission. The Deputy may be also interested to know that the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland provides supports for the use of solar thermal heating technology to both large industry and SMEs. Households can also avail of grant support for investment in renewable energy installations, including solar thermal, under the Better Energy Homes Scheme.