Written answers

Wednesday, 8 March 2017

Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources

Renewable Energy Projects

Photo of Mattie McGrathMattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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277. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of all proposals regarding the granting of a State subvention for solar farms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12239/17]

Photo of Denis NaughtenDenis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Energy White Paper 'Ireland's Transition to a Low Carbon Energy Future 2015-2030' sets out a high-level framework for Ireland's energy transition to a low carbon economy and My Department is currently developing a proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting these RES-E targets.

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy projects in Ireland. This builds on the 2015 Energy White Paper and recognises that solar also has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby also enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future. With this in mind, Solar Photovoltaics (PV) is one of the technologies being considered in the context of the new support scheme for renewable electricity generation under development.

The new Scheme design requires detailed economic analysis on the viability and cost effectiveness of supporting several renewable technologies, including Solar PV, at various scales. The analysis and assessment is currently underway and a second public consultation will be published in Q2 this year outlining various design options.

However, before any new scheme is introduced, it will need to secure Government approval and state aid clearance from the European Commission.

Finally, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland currently 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.

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