Written answers

Tuesday, 9 November 2021

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Electricity Generation

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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189. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which microgeneration of electricity might be used by the agri-food producing sector to mitigate against carbon emissions; the availability of models whereby this might be successfully done; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54179/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Programme for Government commits to expanding and incentivising micro-generation to allow electricity users, including farmers, to generate their own renewable electricity for their own use and to sell excess electricity to the grid. At farm level, micro-generation should be seen firstly as a cost saving measure which will also assist in lowering a farm’s carbon footprint.

The pending introduction of a Clean Export Guarantee (CEG) tariff represents the first phase of a comprehensive enabling framework for micro- and small-scale generators in Ireland, including those in the agri-food sector. This will allow them to receive remuneration from their electricity supplier for all excess renewable electricity exported to the grid, reflective of the market value of that electricity.

The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) published a consultation on a draft enabling framework on 1 October which outlines the details for the introduction of the CEG payment. The consultation is now closed. A decision is expected to be published this month, with a compensation regime to follow shortly afterwards.

To help encourage renewable technology uptake and usage on Irish farms, grant aid is provided through the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine under the Targeted Agricultural Modernisation Scheme (TAMS II). This scheme continues to support farmers in maximising their contribution to the carbon reduction of energy usage through the installation of mainly roof-top solar PV technology along with battery storage.

The Climate Action Plan 2021 sets out actions to introduce a Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) to support the deployment of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV. My Department is developing a final scheme design for the MSS. It is expected that a proposal on the supports to be offered under the Scheme, including for farms, will be submitted to Government later this year.

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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190. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the extent to which his Department has examined the various potential options for micro electricity generation, farm management, tree planting and or any other measures likely to offset against or reduce carbon emissions with particular reference to the need to ensure family farm viability into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54181/21]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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On 4 November 2021, the Government published the Climate Action Plan 2021. This plan sets out indicative ranges of emissions reductions for all sectors of the economy. It also sets out the practical policies and measures that we need to take to meet our climate targets. My Department has engaged proactively with the public, stakeholders and other Government Departments and Agencies to deliver an ambitious, fair and achievable Climate Action Plan. This ambitious plan has been developed following a range of analyses conducted across all sectors of our economy.

There are different levels of ambition for each sector, which take account of each sector’s respective starting point and the potential to reduce emissions within the sector. All sectors will reduce emissions by an ambitious and achievable percentage, each playing a vital role in meeting our overall targets.

The plan includes measures for micro-generation, farm management and afforestation and other measures, such as organic farming which will mean the agriculture sector will play an important role in meeting our targets while protecting farm incomes and ensuring that Ireland maintains its key role and reputation for sustainable food production.

The measures which are set out in the Climate Action Plan 2021 will require fundamental changes across many aspects of Irish life. However these challenges will present us with opportunities to create a cleaner, greener economy and a society which cuts emissions, while creating jobs and protecting our people and the planet.

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