Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
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709. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the policy and targets with regard to solar farms and solar energy output in view of the large increase in applications for solar energy projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17524/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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My Department is currently developing a proposed new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) which will be designed to assist Ireland in meeting its renewable energy contributions out to 2030. Analysis is on-going on the types of technologies to be included such as biomass, offshore and onshore wind, waste, and combined heat and power. This analysis also includes an assessment of the cost of supporting Solar Photovoltaics (PV) - both rooftop and ground-mounted. 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 has the potential to provide a community dividend, thereby also enhancing citizen participation in Ireland's energy future.

The new scheme design requires detailed economic analysis on the viability and cost effectiveness of supporting several renewable technologies at various scales. Once this analysis is complete, my Department will publish a public consultation on the design of the new support scheme. There will be many decisions to be made on this scheme with regard to scale, technologies and – in particular – how communities will have a greater involvement than in previous schemes. Following the outcome of this public consultation, and before any new scheme is introduced, it will need to secure Government approval and state aid clearance from the European Commission. Subject to this, it is expected that the new scheme will become operational in the first half of 2018.

I am fully aware of the level of interest in the solar PV sector in Ireland. I am advised that there have been over 550 applications, amounting to about 3,900 Megawatts of solar capacity, seeking a connection to the electricity grid in the last 18 months.

Notwithstanding the level of solar applicants seeking connection to the grid, my stated position is that while solar has a role to play in Ireland’s energy future, we cannot have a situation where a new support scheme leads to a disproportionate increase in people’s electricity bills through the Public Service Obligation levy. In designing the new RESS, the cost implications for people and businesses will, therefore, be a high priority.