Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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203. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment the supports that are available for commercial solar energy; if there are plans to increase these supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51552/22]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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The Micro-generation Support Scheme (MSS) is targeting support for 380MW of installed micro-generation capacity by 2030, including over 60,000 small microgeneration connections less than 6 KW and 10,000 connections between 6 kW and 50 kW. The first phase of the scheme, consisting of a Domestic solar PV grant, commenced on the 16th February 2022. The second phase of the scheme, announced on 22nd September, sees Solar PV grants being extended to the non-domestic sector, for installations up to and including 6 kW. Grants are administered by SEAI and are up to a maximum of €2,400.

This new phase of the scheme provides an opportunity for small businesses, farms and community groups to not only reduce their electricity bills but to visibly demonstrate their commitment to sustainability and Ireland’s broader climate action goals. Moreover, with the recent introduction of the Clean Export Guarantee (CEG), any residual renewable electricity not consumed on the premises of these microgenerators is now eligible for an export payment; which further supports the investment.

The final phase of the MSS will involve the introduction of a Clean Export Premium (CEP) feed-in tariff, to support non-domestic applicants for installation sizes greater than 6kWp up to 50kWp. The Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) will consult on an implementation plan for the CEP tariff, which will consist of a guaranteed export tariff support for new installations, that is fixed for 15 years.

The Climate Action Plan also commits to the development of a support scheme for small-scale generation (above 50kW). This scheme will enable larger businesses, farms and community projects to maximise their participation in the energy transition. The design of the scheme is being progressed, with a public consultation process closing last week, on 13th October. The scheme is expected to become available in 2023.