Written answers

Tuesday, 15 October 2019

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Alternative Energy Projects

Photo of Niamh SmythNiamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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509. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the policy on PV solar panels covering agricultural land; the details of this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41695/19]

Photo of Carol NolanCarol Nolan (Offaly, Independent)
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511. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment if he has considered the option of introducing a smart metering or green tax credit for farmers using solar panels that generate surplus energy that cannot be sold back to the grid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42016/19]

Photo of Richard BrutonRichard Bruton (Dublin Bay North, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 509 and 511 together.

Solar PV is supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, under the Pig and Poultry Investment Scheme as part of the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Schemes. The Minister for Agriculture announced an expansion of the Scheme in April 2019 which includes €17 million in grant supports for on-farm renewable energy measures including solar PV and battery energy storage systems. Full details are available at:

Action 30 of the Climate Action Plan sets out the steps necessary and timelines for the delivery of an enabling framework for micro-generation. A micro-generation working group, chaired by my Department has been established with the participation of the Department of Agriculture and consideration of the work programme under Action 30 is underway.

In July 2018 my Department launched a new micro-generation scheme to support domestic customers who install solar photovoltaic panels in their homes. The pilot scheme, which is administered by the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland, is subject to a review which has been completed and is under consideration.

The Smart Meter Upgrade is a meter replacement programme which will result in the upgrade of over 2 million meters to modern, smart-ready technology. When the programme completes in Ireland in 2024, all domestic and business premises will have a new modern meter installed. The upgrade to smart meters will encourage energy efficiency, support an increase in renewable power on the energy system, and result in lower overall costs for consumers. The installation of smart meters is a key enabler for the energy transition to a decarbonised system and will support the market for micro-generation as outlined in the Government's Climate Action Plan.

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