Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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39. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the specific actions which have been taken recently to develop a wider portfolio of renewable energy sources particularly offshore wind and solar to increase renewable energy production here. [23940/18]

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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The Energy White Paper presents a long-term strategic vision that is intended to guide the direction of Irish energy policy from now until 2030. It identifies the long-term strategic importance of diversifying Ireland's energy generation portfolio and largely decarbonising the energy sector by 2050. It does not set out targets for specific renewable technologies; rather it provides a framework to guide policy between now and 2030.

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. The design of the new scheme included an extensive independent economic appraisal which compared the cost of supporting a range of commercial renewable technologies, at various scales to ensure that the new scheme delivers value for money for energy users whilst also delivering on the energy pillars of sustainability and security of supply. The assessment included analysis of the optimum financial support mechanisms for renewable technologies, in line with the 2014 EU State Aid Guidelines. The analysis indicates that a number of renewable technologies have converging and in some cases overlapping cost ranges, and I note with interest the continued falling costs of renewable technologies over the past year, such as offshore wind and solar PV. I expect to bring the final design proposals on the new RESS to Government shortly.

The 2014 Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (OREDP) sets out the Government’s policy for the sustainable development of our abundant offshore renewable energy resources.  The Strategic Environmental Assessment that underpinned the OREDP found that 4,500 MW of offshore wind and 1,500 MW of wave and tidal generation could be sustainably developed in Irish waters in the period to 2030.  An interim review of the OREDP was recently published on my Department’s website. The Offshore Renewable Energy Steering Group, which oversees the implementation of the OREDP will now consider the recommendations of the review and continue the work of implementing the actions and enablers set out in the Plan.

It is widely recognised that Solar PV has a role to play in Ireland's renewable electricity generation portfolio over the coming decade. Solar PV emerges as a significant renewable electricity generating technology in all of EirGrid's 'Tomorrow Energy Scenarios' and, as well as providing opportunities for Solar PV under RESS, my Department supports the deployment of Solar PV through the SEAI led Better Energy Communities and pilot Deep Retrofit schemes. Solar PV will also be supported under a pilot scheme to promote micro generation, due to be launched this summer.