Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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461. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the position with respect to the introduction of feed in tariffs as they apply to electricity generation through hydro, solar, wind and biomass; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33281/16]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The 2015 Energy White Paper sets out a vision to promote the development and diversification of renewable energy in Ireland in a competitive and sustainable manner. A well balanced fuel mix that provides reliable and sustainable energy, minimises costs and protects against supply disruptions and price volatility, is essential to Irish consumers and businesses. The existing Renewable Electricity Feed-in Tariff (REFIT) schemes are the principal means of supporting renewable electricity generators for energy exported to the grid. While the REFIT schemes are now closed for new applications, they have proven successful at encouraging an increase in the level of renewables in Ireland. In 2015, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) has estimated that 25.3% of electricity was generated by renewable sources.

The existing REFIT support schemes are underpinned by detailed economic analysis to ensure long-term certainty for investors and overall value for money for consumers. The REFIT schemes assure a minimum price for each unit of electricity exported to the grid over a 15 year period and cover a range of different renewable energy technologies, including wind energy, biomass and hydro-generation.

My Department is currently working to develop a new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). While no decision has been taken on the precise renewable technologies to be supported, the cost and technical viability of a variety of technologies - including wind, solar photovoltaics (PV), hydro and biomass - are being examined as part of the on-going assessment process.

Once the economic analysis is complete, a further public consultation on the new scheme will be published. This consultation is expected in the first half of 2017 and details will be advertised on the Department’s website www.dccae.gov.ie. It is expected that the new scheme will be announced in late 2017 subject to Government approval and State aid clearance from the European Commission.