Written answers

Tuesday, 18 December 2018

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Alternative Energy Projects

Photo of Brian StanleyBrian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein)
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102. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if his attention has been drawn to the potential in ground-mounted and rooftop solar power to address some of the energy needs here; and the changes to regulations and planning needed to establish such energy sources. [53128/18]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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The Energy in Ireland 2018 report by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) indicates that solar photovoltaic (solar PV) generation accounted for 0.03% of energy contribution to gross electricity consumption in Ireland at the end of 2017. This represents a three-fold increase on solar PV generation capacity over the previous 12 months.

I welcome reports of the falling costs of certain renewable technologies, including Solar PV and Offshore Wind over the past number of years, not only compared with other renewables but also with conventional forms of generation.

Increasing renewable technology diversity is one of several policy objectives of my Department. The new Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS), the high level design of which was approved by Government in July 2018, is required because commercial renewable technologies are still not viable without financial support and the scheme is critical if we are to deliver our decarbonisation ambitions as laid out in the National Mitigation Plan. The Scheme has been designed to deliver Ireland’s contribution towards the binding EU-wide renewable energy target of 32% out to 2030. The scheme will also deliver other energy policy objectives including increased community ownership of and participation in renewable electricity projects and increased renewable technology diversity.

The Government recognises the important role that solar PV can play as part of a mix of renewable generation and the RESS will offer a potential pathway for solar PV projects at scale. My Department already supports solar PV through the SEAI-led Better Energy Communities and pilot Deep Retrofit schemes, and in July a new pilot scheme to support micro generation was introduced, initially targeting domestic self-consumption through a grant scheme for solar PV installation and battery storage. I am advised that over 3,000 applicants have expressed an interest to date and approximately 200 rebate claims are in process for payment by the SEAI who administering the scheme. Full details of the scheme are on the SEAI website at .

The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government and my Department are keeping under review the need toenhance national planning guidance on solar energy, taking account of solar energy projects being assessed by planning authorities and the scope for future development of the sector in the context of the on-going development of renewable energy policy.

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