Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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26. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has considered establishing a support scheme for the development of microgeneration across the State. [23941/18]

John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail)
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27. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the progress which has been made to further explore opportunities for supporting micro generation of renewable energy as an important role in Ireland’s transition to a low carbon economy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23968/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 27 together.

I am committed to exploring opportunities for micro generation further, as I believe micro generation not only offers customers protection from rising energy costs, but also because micro generation could enhance broader social engagement with renewable energy projects across Ireland and enable the transition to a low carbon economy. Furthermore, micro generation will be required given the scale of our climate and energy ambition as laid out in the National Development Plan and Project Ireland 2040.

The proposed pilot scheme for micro generation which I announced earlier this year will target solar PV and self-consumption amongst domestic customers. It is important that before a scheme like this is introduced, the likely demand for the scheme is understood and the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) are currently undertaking a study which will inform the final design of this pilot. It is equally important that safety, technical and training requirements are established in advance of this pilot scheme being rolled out.

The data gathered during the pilot scheme will inform potential future phases of support for micro generation in Ireland that may be appropriate, as we align with the ambition of the recast Renewable Energy Directive which recognises the rights, entitlements and obligations of renewable self-consumers. This pilot scheme will deliver on ambitions and commitments made in the Energy White Paper and the Programme for Government.

Last year, my Department assessed micro generation, across a number of renewable electricity generating technologies, as part of the economic analysis to underpin the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). The assessment identified technical and financial challenges which may need to be addressed before a broader support scheme for micro generation can be introduced. This is in line with international experience, including across the EU, where many member states who have introduced supports for micro generation have had to reform them or cancel them altogether. 

The reality is that bringing microgen onto a system designed for large generators is complicated. It impacts how we pay for the network, how we manage regulation and how we technically manage the system. My Department is continuing to work closely with the micro generation sector and the SEAI to better understand how to validate and further develop these policies in a fair and cost effective manner.