Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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269. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the timeline for the opening of RESS-1 and RESS-2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51097/18]

Richard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The high level design of the new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) was approved by Government in July 2018.  The RESS has been designed to deliver Ireland’s contribution towards an EU-wide renewable energy target of 32% out to 2030, within a competitive auction-based, cost effective framework. The RESS will deliver a broad range of policy objectives including: the provision of pathways and supports for communities to participate in renewable energy projects; broadening the renewable electricity technology mix and increasing energy security, energy sustainability and ensuring the cost effectiveness of energy policy.

The Scheme will provide for a renewable electricity (RES-E) ambition of up to a maximum of 55% by 2030 subject to determining the cost effective level which will be set out in Irelands first National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP).The High Level Design proposed that the first RESS auction would take place in 2019 with the second auction to be held the following year in 2020. The ultimate auction timetable and volumes to be procured will be determined based on the analysis carried out as part of the NECP, the trajectory targets for renewables under the Governance Regulation, as well as assessment of the supply pipeline of eligible projects to ensure competitive outcomes for consumers.

My Department is progressing the RESS design across three main work streams: the EU state aid approval process; the development of an enabling framework for community participation; and the detailed design of the first auctions. Engagement with relevant stakeholders will continue in the coming months.