Written answers

Tuesday, 7 March 2023

Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment

Renewable Energy Generation

Photo of Alan DillonAlan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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180. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment how he intends to develop energy independence through policy measures and empower local communities in towns and villages across the country to develop local grids through solar farms or wind turbines that can supply households and reduce their exposure to energy hikes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11288/23]

Photo of Alan DillonAlan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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181. To ask the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment how he intends to develop large-scale strategic renewable energy projects that will benefit local communities and people in the area and be reflected in their household bills; the potential of renewable energy projects in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11289/23]

Photo of Eamon RyanEamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 180 and 181 together.

Under the Climate Action Plan 2023, Government has set an ambitious target of having an 80% share of electricity generation capacity coming from renewable sources by 2030. Increasing the share of indigenous renewable electricity on the network is a key factor in ensuring the security of supply and insulating consumers from the volatility of fossil fuel markets.

In order to increase wind and solar generation on the grid, my Department is delivering a regular programme of auctions under the Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS). The RESS supports communities in a variety of ways including through a separate category for community projects and a mandatory community benefit fund for every project supported in the scheme.

The first Renewable Electricity Support Scheme auction (RESS 1) was held in 2020 and as a result of that pathway being provided for renewable developers, 2022 was a record year for the connection of renewable electricity capacity to the grid. More RESS 1 projects are expected to connect to the grid throughout 2023. The second RESS auction (RESS 2) was held in 2022, with the successful projects in that auction representing a nearly 20% increase on current renewable electricity generation capacity. Projects from RESS 2 will start to connect to the grid between the end of this year and 2025.

Officials in my Department are currently working on progressing the next two RESS auctions, RESS 3 for onshore renewables, and ORESS 1 (Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme) for offshore wind, with both expected to be held later this year.

Community participation is a key aspect of the Government's renewable energy ambitions. Through my Department’s continued engagement with Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), there is evidence of significant challenges that REC projects may face with the competitive, auction based schemes. To simplify and boost community participation in the energy transition, consideration is being given to providing support for eligible community projects through the Small-Scale Generation Support Scheme (SSGS) which is due to be launched later this year. The SSGS is not anticipated to include an auction process and is expected to provided a simpler and more sustainable support for community participation.

Finally, my Department does not hold information in relation to the potential for renewable energy projects in individual counties. I would direct the Deputy towards individual County Development Plans, where more information in that regard may be found.

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