Kevin O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

1787. To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if a new refit 3 scheme is due to be put in place to replace the existing refit 3 scheme; when it is likely to be put in place; and the tariff rate a 0.5 MW solar renewable energy supplier can expect to be paid and for which period in years (details supplied). [28479/17]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for Government contains a commitment to facilitate the development of solar energy 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. 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 a range of renewable technologies to be included. This analysis includes an assessment of the cost of supporting Solar Photovoltaics - both rooftop and ground-mounted, at various scales.

Once this work is complete, my Department will publish a final public consultation on the design elements of the new support scheme. Details will be advertised on my Department's website at . There will be several decisions to be made on this new scheme with regard to scale, technologies and, in particular, how communities will have a greater involvement than in previous schemes.

Subject to final scheme design, Government approval and EU State Aid clearance, it is expected the new scheme will be open for new applications in 2018.