Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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There are a number of key schemes and policies across Government designed to accelerate the deployment of renewable electricity generation.

The Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (RESS) is Ireland’s flagship support scheme for onshore grid-scale renewable electricity generators. The three onshore RESS auctions held since September 2020 have been fundamental in boosting Ireland's energy independence. The latest auction (RESS 3), held last year, represents a potential 12% increase in Ireland’s renewable energy capacity from current levels. The fourth auction (RESS 4) is scheduled to be held later this year.

Smaller onshore renewable projects are primarily being delivered through two other Government support schemes: the Micro-Generation Support Scheme (MSS) and the Small-Scale Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (SRESS).

The MSS was introduced by Government as a means of supporting 380 megawatts of new micro-generation capacity by 2030 through grants, amounting to 60,000 domestic and 9,000 non-domestic renewable generation installations.

The SRESS currently provides grants for renewable self consumers, up to 1MW in size. An upcoming new SRESS export tariff phase will offer a simpler route to market for community and SME renewable export projects.

The Offshore Renewable Electricity Support Scheme (ORESS) is the primary mechanism to deliver offshore wind generation. The first ORESS auction, held last year, was a resounding success and achieved over 3 GW of potential new offshore wind capacity. This is supported by the work of the Offshore Wind Delivery Taskforce (OWDT) which coordinates activities ongoing across Government in relation to offshore wind.

I have also established an Accelerating Renewable Electricity Taskforce (ARET) to focus on the development of onshore renewable generation.